Justin Simmons
The final free agent is one that almost certainly could come in as a starter and be a significant improvement at the position for this season. For the first time in Sean McDermott's career as head coach with the Bills, he is entering a season without Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde as his starting safeties.
This is a big hole as they have been a key cornerstone for this defense and while it is a big loss, it probably was the right time to close that chapter. The Bills did a good job of addressing the position with limited cap space in the form of re-signing Taylor Rapp, signing Mike Edwards, and then drafting Cole Bishop in the second round.
While these are good options, Simmons would immediately step in as the best safety on the team and be a significant upgrade at the position. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos and played eight seasons with a Pro Bowl nomination or All-Pro selection in each of the past five.
One area in particular that Simmons excels is forcing turnovers as he has 30 interceptions, five forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries in his career. He led the league in interceptions with six just two seasons ago.
While Cole Bishop should be the future of the position, it would make sense to ease him into the defense. The Bills could have him as the third safety and have Rapp and Edwards compete for the job opposite Justin Simmons which would elevate some of the concerns at the position entering this season.