The Buffalo Bills are looking to replace the dynamic safety duo of Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde, who combined for 38 interceptions, 11 forced fumbles, and 10 recoveries during their seven seasons together.
The Bills have brought in veteran playmaker CJ Gardner-Johnson to join emerging safety Cole Bishop in the back end of new coordinator Jim Leonhard's defense. Bishop had a stellar second NFL season, making three interceptions, two sacks, and breaking up seven passes while being in on a team-high 85 tackles.
Bishop's growth as a safety has been hindered by injuries and struggles with his safety partner Taylor Rapp. However, with Poyer now gone, Bishop is expected to flourish with Gardner-Johnson by his side. Gardner-Johnson has 20 interceptions, three forced fumbles, and a recovery throughout his seven seasons with the Saints, Eagles, Lions, Texans, and Bears.
Head coach Joe Brady believes the safety room has plenty of depth, with the addition of Geno Stone and the re-signing of Damar Hamlin providing options for the Bills. Brady stated, "You look at our safety room and there's so much depth in there and the competition. We brought in a lot of veterans from that perspective with Geno and (Gardner-Johnson) and bringing back Damar. It's really good for (Bishop) because he's always been the young guy, but now he's the guy that's actually the only one who's been here in the starting role."
Gardner-Johnson's ballhawk ability and physicality will be assets to the Bills' defense. He stated, "Ballhawk ability, physicality, and ability to toe the line, but not cross it. I think my experience and my productivity speaks for itself. This is gonna just be another great duo (with Bishop), just feeding off each other, ready to make plays. And really, I think we're going to drive the defense to do what we want to do this year, which is take the ball away and play aggressive over the top and be able to come down and fill that for when we need to."
President of football operations Brandon Beane targeted Gardner-Johnson in free agency due to his versatility and ability to play deep and up. Beane stated, "I think those guys have skill sets that both of them can play deep, both of them can play up. CJ's got really good ball skills, he's a physical player, he's not a traditional box guy, he's not a traditional post safety. I think you can do different things. That's what you're looking for is as many players that can do more than one thing so that the offense can't dictate to them."
Bishop's ability to play multiple positions will be crucial in new coordinator Jim Leonhard's defense, which will move around players based on matchups. Bishop missed time again during the offseason due to injury, making training camp essential for him and Gardner-Johnson to develop a rhythm.
Bills fans are eagerly anticipating the safety duo's performance at training camp, which will be a crucial indicator of the team's chances this season. The Bills' ability to take the ball away and play aggressive defense will be a key factor in their success, and the development of Bishop and Gardner-Johnson will be a major storyline to watch.
Source: Yahoo Sports