McDermott - "Still looking for that other safety"

[TheFunPolice]

I really wish this was like Madden where there's a bunch of 82-84 OVR DBs always ready to sign...

 

it always felt like cheating but hey

[RobbRiddick]

Hmm this sounds like reverse psychology, like when the wife says “oh I’m so tired, I wish someone else would cook dinner tonight”. Luckily for me I’m completely selfish and always pick this moment to pretend I’m busy thinking about Josh Allen 

[AlCowlingsTaxiService]

4 hours ago, Demongyz said:

It's an opportunity for him to step up and seize the role, let's hope he does it.

He already knew that it was his job to lose … and he promptly decided to do what he could to lose it. I’m less than impressed with the kid. 

3 minutes ago, TheFunPolice said:

I really wish this was like Madden where there's a bunch of 82-84 OVR DBs always ready to sign...

 

it always felt like cheating but hey

 … or just create a 99 OVR safety 😂

[Pine Barrens Mafia]

another early round swing and a miss it would seem

 

many such cases

 

[BananaB]

By listening to the interview it just sounds like he’s looking for one of the guys to step up and prove he can be the more consistent player. Not as big of a deal as I thought when first reading the post. 

[Utah John]

4 hours ago, Bockeye said:

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/buffalo-bills/news/buffalo-bills-may-pursue-all-pro-safety-after-38-0-loss-bears-justin-simmons-atlanta-falcons-denver-broncos-damar-hamlin-cole-bishop/e2466385d11a2b7d26a06442

 

This would be a great move at this point. 

The Bills are looking for spare change under the couch cushions just to get close to the salary cap.  It would take a monster contract reworking to pay Simmons what he's going to get.

I hate to say this, having become a Utah football fan while living in Salt Lake City.  But Zach Moss, Dalton Kincaid, and now Bishop, all looked good coming out and all three have just not played up to expectations.  

[GaryPinC]

1 hour ago, balln said:

Just such a weird and bold McD comment this am. “We’re still trying to figure out who’s playing next to Rapp”

 

like is he playing mind games w bishop? Just weird. Would be easy to just say “yea bishop has missed time and only had one practice before the game. He’ll be better. We have love and confidence in him.”

 

NOPE. instead he says what he said. Bizarre

I would say he's trying to get somebody to really step up and go after the position and let it be known it's very much in the air.  I think it's a message to not only Bishop but all the other safeties besides Rapp.

[Big Blitz]

He’s basically saying it’s Hancock or Bishop. 
 

That's what’s happened.  Hancock has shown enough to push for the job.  
 

They aren’t looking at bringing in anyone.  They think the answer for now is in that room.  

[MiracleAtRich1393]

I'm fine rolling with Hancock in the box. He's athletic and seems to have good instincts. Hope he wins it.

[skibum]

Wande Owens, anyone?

[NeverOutNick]

1 hour ago, Big Blitz said:

He’s basically saying it’s Hancock or Bishop. 
 

That's what’s happened.  Hancock has shown enough to push for the job.  
 

They aren’t looking at bringing in anyone.  They think the answer for now is in that room.  

Where’d you hear that? I’d actually be happy with this 

[EmotionallyUnstable]

Relax, we got Josh Allen! 

[VW82]

4 hours ago, Bleeding Bills Blue said:

 

Why can't anyone push him off the roster first i think is the thought.  Forrest hasn't jumped him.  Hancocks played multiple positions in camp and is a rookie.  Lewis is not big enough or good enough at tackling to play safety imo.  

That’s a different issue though I’d argue Hancock has outperformed Hamlin. Bishop was outperforming too before sustaining yet another injury. It looked to me like he rushed coming back due to McD’s comments.

[DrDawkinstein]

I love any opportunity to get Hancock on the field. I personally think he'd be even better at nickel, but as long as Johnson can go we might as well find somewhere else for him. Hope his injury isnt too bad.

 

[NORWOODS FOOT]

Sign Simmons. 
Groom Hancock behind him. 
Cut Hamlin. 
Allow Cole Bishop to play out his rookie contract (didn’t like him coming out and not surprised at his lack of success thus far. Hope things change.)

 

PS I liked Hancock more than Bishop as draftable players. 
 

 

Edited Tuesday at 10:48 PM by NORWOODS FOOT

[3rdand12]

2 hours ago, folz said:

 

Justin Simmons is 31 years old. He's going into year 10 of his NFL career (8 years in Denver, 1 year in ATL).

 

He played for Atlanta last year. He had 62 tackles, 2 INTs, and 7 Passes defended.

From 2019-2023, he either made the pro bowl and/or 2nd team All-Pro (AP) each season.

 

At the start of free agency, he was looking for a two-year deal worth about $10-14 million per year. I'm sure that number has gone down, considering it's August and the season is almost upon us. He played on a one-year deal with Atlanta last year for $8 million. SportTrac currently has his market value at $5,784,805.

 

Would be great to have him, but money and age are a concern. Sounds like his coverage ability has fallen off a bit in the last couple of years (according to some). Yet, he'd probably still be an improvement (even if he's slowing down). If Beane can find the money, I wouldn't be opposed to a 1-year deal.

 

 

https://www.si.com/nfl/bills/news/free-agency-3-safeties-bills-should-pursue-following-sunday-defensive-meltdown

 

This article suggests two other candidates, besides Simmons: 1. Jordan Poyer and 2. Marcus Maye. I don't think we'd bring Poyer back, there is a reason we moved on when we did. He did still have 98 tackles and three passes defended for the Dolphins last year---but it seems that most Dolphins fans were not thrilled with his play last year (despite the big tackle number). Poyer is 34 years old. Maye is 32 years old and the last time he started a full season was 2020. He played for two teams last year (Miami and then LAC) with 4 starts, 42 tackles, and 2 PD. Not really sure if he is even an upgrade from Hamlin at this point. In 2020, his last full season as a starter, he had 88 tackles, 11 PD, 2 INTs, 2 sacks, 2 FF, 1 FR (but that was 5 years ago). Last year, Damar had 89 tackles, 5 PD, 2 INTs, 1 FR (for reference).

 

 

Other FA options:

Marcus Williams. 28 years old. 5 years in NO, 3 in Baltimore. Good player, but has missed 21 of his last 51 games. 

Vonn Bell. 30 years old. Played for NO, CIN, and CAR. Again good player. Missed 4 games in 2023, started 11 of 17 games last year.

Tashaun Gipson. 35 years old. Played in 9 games for San Fran last year, only starting 1 game.

John Johnson III. 29 years old. Played for Rams and Browns. Some good years stat-wise, but last year only played two games (fractured scapula) and only started 8 games in 2023.

 

There is a reason most of these guys are still available: age/injuries/slowing down. There is always a chance of picking up someone after team cuts, but from the few articles I could find on the subject, it does not appear that any higher-end safeties (or better than what we already have) are expecting the chop. But there could be a surprise.

 

But yeah, it doesn't look like there is much help out there, even if we had the money. Simmons is probably the best of the bunch, if we were to bring someone in. But again, he too seems to be slowing down a bit, so even he is a bit of a gamble at this point (at somewhere between the $6-8 million price tag he'd carry).

 

 

Hoping the light comes on for Cole sooner rather than later. 🤞

Simmons is a cerebral player.
If you are bringing one in , thats your best bet.

Babich have to scheme over the weaknesses

Like , slow. Both Rapp and Hamlin and Simmons (age)

This is why we need the D line to get pressure and fast. Hold the line for the quick LBs and never let the other team get over the top lol

Scheme

LOL 😋

[That's No Moon]

6 hours ago, HappyDays said:

Bad sign for Bishop:

 

 

With one week left in the PS this is a disgusting comment. Safety is probably the most important position in McDermott's defense and to not have 2 guys identified at this point is a tremendous problem.

[3rdand12]

2 hours ago, uticaclub said:

Same could have said about Poyer

and yet ... Forrest is no where to be seen

[boyst]

6 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

This is exactly right.

When the real ammo was flying and shots counting Bishop couldn't survive in live fire. 

[3rdand12]

2 hours ago, CincyBillsFan said:

Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't recall McD declaring Bishop the starter at safety.  We all thought that he had the inside angle for the job but did McD ever make it official?  So to me there is nothing unusual for him to remind EVERYONE that the competition for that safety spot is still open.  Basic football coaching 101.

 

As for Bishop the situation is actually simple:  if he stays healthy and is able to fully practice over the next 3 weeks he's got the job.  

 

 

I am fine with Hamlin as the BU and situational.

 Hope for Hancock to become all he can be , in good time.

1 hour ago, Utah John said:

The Bills are looking for spare change under the couch cushions just to get close to the salary cap.  It would take a monster contract reworking to pay Simmons what he's going to get.

I hate to say this, having become a Utah football fan while living in Salt Lake City.  But Zach Moss, Dalton Kincaid, and now Bishop, all looked good coming out and all three have just not played up to expectations.  

You sell him on winning a SB as to why he takes a cheap but guaranteed contract ? lol