You never want to overreact to one preseason performance, but the Bills were so bad on defense on Sunday night that Sean McDermott has no choice but to turn over every stone. And he continues to do so in the secondary, as the Bills search for safety help.
McDermott has made it clear that Taylor Rapp will be one of the team’s Week 1 safeties when they open the season against the Ravens. But the other spot is up for grabs, and as many as four players are competing for a starting role. And that is a big concern with their first game just a few weeks away.
Bills still looking for consistency at safety
The hope this offseason was that Cole Bishop would take one of the starting safety spots, but he has missed so much time with injuries that he’s been unable to lock down that job. He’s been on a pitch count in the preseason and based on what we saw against the Bears, he still doesn’t look quite comfortable.
Damar Hamlin was a starter last year, but he was among the league’s worst starting safeties in 2024. He’s much better in a reserve role, but the Bills just didn’t have any better options and might not again in 2025, especially if Bishop doesn’t step up. Hamlin does have 27 career starts, but the Bills know his limitations, and his lack of consistency has been an issue in big moments.
Jordan Hancock is another option, but he is a rookie and is still getting used to the speed of the NFL. And to make matters worse, he is now dealing with a shoulder injury that could cause him to miss the rest of the preseason. The timing couldn’t be worse for the former Ohio State defensive back, as the Bills could really use him in their safety battle.
Those are the top three options at safety next to Rapp, and none of the three have given the coaching staff any indication that they are ready for a bigger role. And unless something drastically changes between now and Week 1, it sure feels like the safety spot could be their weak link again this year.
Expect the Bills to scour the waiver wire over the next two weeks as they are in desperate need of a reliable and consistent safety. Otherwise, this could be a unit that ultimately holds the defense back in a big way again this season.