Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen recently shared his thoughts on the possibility of veteran safety Micah Hyde returning to the team, as Hyde continues to consider his future in the NFL. After a significant offseason reshuffle within the Bills’ leadership ranks, the prospect of Hyde rejoining the team has sparked considerable interest. The 33-year-old safety, who had been a key player for the Bills from 2017 to 2023, is currently without a team. However, Hyde has made it clear that if he does continue his NFL career, it would only be with the Bills. The team has not closed the door on this possibility, with head coach Sean McDermott acknowledging Hyde’s continued relevance to the organization.
Hyde, a two-time All-Pro, spent seven seasons with the Bills, starting in 95 games. Despite the team performing well in his absence this season, with solid play from safeties Taylor Rapp and Damar Hamlin, the idea of Hyde returning remains a topic of conversation. The Bills defense has been strong this year, contributing to their impressive 8-2 record. Still, the question of whether Hyde might be re-signed continues to hover over the team. Allen, who had shared a locker room with Hyde throughout his career, addressed this topic during a recent media session, offering insight into their ongoing connection.
“I’ve checked in with him a little bit, talked to him here and there,” Allen shared, adding that he values Hyde not only as a teammate but as a person. When asked specifically about the prospect of Hyde’s return, Allen responded with enthusiasm, saying that if the opportunity arose, he would love to have Hyde back on the team. However, he also expressed confidence in the current roster, particularly the defensive side of the ball, noting that the team’s safeties have been performing exceptionally well. Allen emphasized that while the team is in good hands, Hyde would always be welcomed back with open arms if circumstances aligned for his return.
This season marks the first time that Allen has played without Hyde in the locker room, making his comments especially poignant. The rapport between the two has been an integral part of the Bills’ defense over the years, with Hyde’s deep understanding of the defensive scheme and leadership on the field being a significant asset. If Hyde does decide to return to football, his experience and knowledge of the system would be valuable, especially as the team prepares for a potential playoff run. However, there are health considerations that need to be addressed. Hyde missed most of the 2022 season due to a neck injury, and has since dealt with several neck-related issues, which could impact his long-term viability.
In conclusion, while the Bills are performing well this season with their current safety duo, the possibility of Micah Hyde’s return remains an intriguing one. Allen’s comments reflect the strong bond between the two players and the general sentiment within the locker room. Should Hyde make the decision to return, the Bills would likely be eager to welcome him back, adding valuable depth to an already formidable defense. For now, fans will continue to speculate whether Hyde’s next chapter will include a return to Buffalo, but his legacy with the team and his importance to the locker room will never be forgotten.