The Buffalo Bills have a crowded room at safety going into the 2025 season. Fan favorite Damar Hamlin and Taylor Rapp are considered leaders in the clubhouse to start at this time.
There is another option, though.
Former second round safety Cole Bishop did not have the most dominant first season with the Bills as he battled injuries throughout the 2024 campaign, but he is a key part in Buffalo's plans for the future.
With a quarterback making one of the largest per-year dollar amounts in league history, Buffalo will need as many young defensive players on rookie contracts to perform at a high level.
That is how the team will remain in good cap standing moving forward.
There is better news in that regard as well. While Bishop still has much to prove, NFL Reporter Ronnie Eastham believes he's a top "boom or bust candidate" in 2025.
"Cole Bishop has a year under his belt now and has shown promise late in the season and into the playoffs," Eastham said. "He led all defenders in tackles in the AFC title game, and Bishop is the favorite to assume the starting role, heading into the 2025 season. Bills fans will see Bishop as a draft bust if he is beaten out for the starting job by Damar Hamlin."
Buffalo won't have to play Bishop this season if he isn't ready. That's the beauty of having a crowded safety room.
But the organization needs the young defender to rise up and make an impact. Otherwise, things will get dicey for the organization moving past 2025.