Micah Hyde’s journey with the Buffalo Bills took an unexpected turn as the veteran safety rejoined the team 13 weeks into the 2024 season. Hyde, whose locker had remained unused and number unassigned, signed with the Bills’ practice squad, as confirmed by head coach Sean McDermott on Wednesday.
“Just to set expectations, Micah is in a practice squad role,” McDermott said. “We are fully confident in Taylor Rapp, Damar Hamlin, Cole Bishop, Kareem Jackson. They’ve all been doing a real good job for us in the roles that they are currently in. They’re going to stay in those roles and Micah is in a practice squad role, so good to have him back and his family as well.”
Hyde’s Path Back to Buffalo
Hyde became a free agent after the 2023 season, wrapping up his 12th year in the NFL. During his time away, he contemplated retirement while focusing on his health at home in San Diego. Despite receiving interest from other teams, Hyde insisted he would only return to play for Buffalo. After staying in touch with general manager Brandon Beane, Hyde finalized his decision last week.
“I just wanted to come back and do anything I could do to help,” Hyde said. “If it’s helping young guys understand the NFL on and off the field, older guys helping them, with what they got to do on the field, whatever it may be, I’m here to help. I’m an open book, and so I’m excited for this role, and it’s a new role for me. And I’m ready to excel now.”
Hyde confirmed his health had significantly improved but announced this season would be his last. “After the final game, you can guarantee I’ll retire,” he said.
Jordan Phillips’ Role in Hyde’s Return
Veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, who re-signed with the Bills on November 6, played a key role in Hyde’s return. After congratulating Phillips via text, Hyde mentioned he was open to rejoining if needed. Phillips relayed this to Beane, which helped restart discussions.
“I said, ‘Look, man, if they need me or whatever, give me a call,'” Hyde said he texted Phillips. “I’m going to give credit to big Phil. I’m not paying him 3%, he’s not my agent, but he’s the one that kind of got the ball rolling and said something to Beane and obviously Beane already had a plan himself to reach out.”
“No, that’s OK,” Phillips said on not receiving compensation. “I told him if he signs back, I just need a hug, and he gave me one yesterday.”
Bills’ Defensive Strength
The Bills have performed well defensively this season, leading the NFL in the lowest total QBR allowed (50.4) and ranking second in takeaways (24). They’ve already clinched their fifth consecutive AFC East title. Rapp and Hamlin have anchored the safety positions, supported by rookie Cole Bishop, who was drafted in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Hyde spent seven seasons as a key defensive piece in Buffalo, partnering with Jordan Poyer to form one of the league’s most consistent safety duos. Together, they started 92 games, the most by a safety tandem during that span. Poyer, now with the Miami Dolphins, joined Buffalo alongside Hyde in 2017 when McDermott was hired.
Leadership and Legacy
Hyde, a 2017 Pro Bowl selection, has been a standout leader for the Bills. His return adds veteran experience to the roster, where only Von Miller and Jackson have more years in the league. Quarterback Josh Allen praised Hyde’s influence, saying, “For me, personally, he’s one of my favorite humans of all time,” quarterback Josh Allen said. “So, to have him in the building is awesome, someone that you can talk to about not just football things, but life things. He’s an honest guy. He’s a smart guy. And, just having that type of person and that knowledge in our locker room has to pay benefits to us. So, obviously, he’s very familiar with what we do on defense and just a great guy to have.”
Hyde began his career with the Green Bay Packers, who selected him in the fifth round of the 2013 draft. In Buffalo, he’s recorded 16 interceptions and 42 passes defensed, solidifying his place as a leader both on and off the field.
As Hyde prepares for his final chapter in the NFL, he remains focused on Buffalo’s ultimate goal. “I’m taking it day by day, and I think that’s a special thing and that’s the cool thing about this new role is, I can take it day by day, I don’t have to have a goal to be out there on Sunday, this weekend or next weekend or whatever it may be,” Hyde said. “… So, listen, I’m here to help. I left my ego in San Diego, like I said, the goal has always been to bring a championship back here and that’s always going to be the goal. Until that happens, you guys probably going to be tired of me, because after this season and I truly retire, maybe you might see me doing something else here until we get a championship.”
