Following the Bills’ postseason loss to the Chiefs in January, veteran safety Micah Hyde expressed uncertainty about his future with the team.
Hyde, who is 33 years old, became a free agent in March and remains one as of mid-May. Dealing with neck injuries in recent years, Hyde has been considering retirement.
According to Jon Scott of WGRZ, Hyde stated on Thursday that he will either play for the Bills in 2024 or retire, expressing no interest in joining another team.
Hyde also mentioned that he feels no pressure to make a decision yet. “I’ve been transparent. You know everything I know,” Hyde said, as reported by Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News. “I took a break after the season and went to San Diego.
My routine involves working out, spending time with my kids, and supporting my wife with the family duties, while continuing to prepare myself physically and mentally for any possibility.”
“I’m not really sure. You all know … how tough it was dealing with my neck and those stingers. So I decided to take a step back for a while. If the time comes and I feel the passion again, then I’ll consider it. But, I’m not in a hurry at all.”
Hyde mentioned that he’s been having honest conversations with G.M. Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott about his situation.
“Just spoke with them, and we’re all on the same page,” Hyde said. “I’m 33 years old now. My family’s health is the most important thing to me. But, winning a Super Bowl would also be amazing. So, we’ll see. Taking it one day at a time.”
Hyde joined the Bills in 2017 after four seasons with the Packers as a fifth-round pick in the 2013 draft. He’s played in 158 games with 128 starts, making 66 passes defensed, 24 interceptions, five forced fumbles, and 5.0 sacks.
In 2023, he started 14 games for Buffalo and had seven passes defensed and two interceptions. He also started both playoff games.
