Hyde started his career as a fifth-round pick out of Iowa. The former Hawkeye spent his first four years with the Packers, where he started in 33 of 63 games played before signing with the Bills in the 2017 offseason. Once in Buffalo, Hyde evolved into a full-time starter, starting all 95 games he appeared in with the Bills while racking up 16 interceptions, three fumble recoveries and two Second-Team All-Pro nods. The veteran safety never took the field in 2024, but did sign with the Bills’ practice squad in early December.

Hyde, 33, who played for Buffalo from 2017 to 2023, has a chance to join the team for a championship run after deciding not to retire or sign elsewhere this fall. The two-time Second-team All-Pro — who has struggled mightily with neck injuries during his NFL career — totaled 54 tackles and two interceptions last season. He’ll join a Buffalo secondary graded by PFF as the league’s 19th best.

Hyde is once again mulling retirement but affirms “it’s Bills or retire.” He is reportedly in no rush to make a decision and the team has players in place should Hyde choose to hang up his cleats. He remains a capable coverage defender and was targeted at the position’s eighth-lowest rate last year (6.0%), ranked among safeties with at least 500 coverage snaps.

According to Beane, the team would be open to bringing back Hyde, who is currently a free agent, “if he decides to play.” The veteran safety, who has his last seven seasons with the Bills, has played 11 years in the league and will be 33 at the start of this season. The two-time Second-team All-Pro totaled 54 tackles and two interceptions last season while earning a PFF coverage grade of 67.2. We haven’t heard much about Hyde this offseason, but it’s possible we learn more about his decision to play closer to training camp.