The Buffalo Bills are still trying to find an answer for their safety room ever since they moved on from the duo of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. That duo was the best in the league at one point, but all good things came to an end with them when Poyer spent last season in Miami and Hyde didn’t play a single down last year for the Bills.
Now, the Bills are hoping that someone like Cole Bishop can develop in his second year to go along with Taylor Rapp who is arguably the Bills’ best safety on the team. Behind them is Damar Hamlin and Darrick Forrest. Hamlin is familiar with Buffalo’s scheme and Forrest is a physical player that the Bills could benefit from having.
Head coach Sean McDermott spoke with the media earlier today and talked about Bishop dealing with an injury, and it has limited his chances to be on the field to show the Bills what he can bring to the table, per Alex Brasky. It’s a bit of a repeat from last year when Bishop was hurt in the beginning and lost the chance to earn a starting spot on the defense.
Sean McDermott on Cole Bishop🤔: “Cole has missed quite a bit of time… It remains to be seen what he is truly able to do for us… We’re getting short on time.” #Bills S missed mandatory minicamp & also 6 of 12 camp practices due to injury. And a preseason game #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/NvLnwTlOlv
— alex brasky (@alexbrasky) August 12, 2025
Now granted, he didn’t miss much time in the regular season but he wasn’t on the field as a starter until late in the season. Instead, Damar Hamlin was on the field with Taylor Rapp.
Since Bishop has missed some time and with these comments from McDermott, it makes you think about who could potentially step up and earn a roster spot, and potentially some playing time as well. That player should be safety Darrick Forrest, who the Bills signed to a one-year deal this past March from Washington.
Cole Bishop injury could lead Darrick Forrest to roster spot with no issue
Even though Damar Hamlin is more familiar with the Bills and is beloved by Bills Mafia. At the same time, we have to realize that Forrest is a player that can provide physicality to a defense that lacks it at times. Let’s not forget that Forrest was a dominant player back in 2022 where he had 4 interceptions, 88 total tackles, 9 pass deflections, and 2 forced fumbles.
Forrest then faced some injuries and then with the new regime in Washington last year, he was not set up to succeed which ultimately led to his departure from Washington. If he does indeed make the final roster, he may not only be a starter but he could possibly be the best free agent signing the Bills made (yes, even more than Joey Bosa).
With two preseason games left, Forrest will have the chance to prove his worth to not only make a roster but also make a push to become a starter.