The NFL combine is set to begin this week and we are kicking off the week with press conferences from coaches and general managers around the league. Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott spoke with the media on Monday late in the afternoon and was asked about a variety of topics for the Bills.
Of course, McDermott was asked about the coaching changes on his stay which includes the firing of Matthew Smiley and hiring of Chris Tabor for the special teams unit. McDermott also briefly talked about the former head strength and conditioning coach, Eric Ciano, and now how the Bills are looking to fill that position, per Thad Brown.
Then McDermott went into depth about various players such as Von Miller and Keon Coleman, but there was one player that he talked about that should have Bills fans curious for the backend of the defense in 2025.
According to Thad Brown, McDermott stated that when it comes to safety Cole Bishop, the Bills will be “counting on him to have an impact with the defense.”
McDermott on Cole Bishop:
— Thad Brown (@thadbrown7) February 24, 2025
"We'll be counting on him to have an impact with our defense."
But adds he wants to see how Bishop comes back next season. Says he'll have a chance to win the safety job. #Bills
Sean McDermott has high expectations of Cole Bishop in 2025
Last season was the first year since 2017 where the Bills didn’t have Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer on the backend of the defense. Hyde played out the final year of his contract in 2023, but would then eventually return to the Bills’ practice squad in 2024.
As for Poyer, he was part of the roster revamp that the Bills had to go through to fix their salary cap problem. Poyer ended up signing with the divisional rival Miami Dolphins for th 2024 season.
The Bills brought back Taylor Rapp on a three-year deal after proving he can be a versatile defender in Buffalo’s defense. Damar Hamlin was coming back for his last year of his rookie contract, and then Brandon Beane managed to draft safety Cole Bishop late in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Bishop’s NFL journey started on a rough note when he suffered a shoulder injury right before preseason and he wasn’t able to efficiently complete for a starting job in the Bills’ defense. Bishop missed the first game of the season against the Arizona Cardinals, but managed to play in most games in 2024 (with only three games being dressed but recording any production).
In 16 games (starting in 4), Bishop recorded 40 total tackles, two pass deflections, and a forced fumble.
Bishop showed signs of promise that he can deliver high production for Buffalo for the future. With Damar Hamlin set to hit free agency and Rapp coming back with two years left on his contract, Bishop now has an opportunity to prove McDermott right and show Bills Mafia that he can step in as a starting safety for 2025 and beyond.