Entering the 2024 season, the Buffalo Bills hope to be a strong contender in the AFC once more. Given the departure of several key players on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, that might be more difficult to do this year.

They signed a hard-hitting safety in the off-season after losing both Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. Perhaps a bit too harshly.

Buffalo Bills Sign Safety Despite Serious On-Field Problems

As stated by ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg:

In an effort to address injuries at the position and replace seven-year stalwarts Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde, the Buffalo Bills signed veteran Kareem Jackson to a one-year contract on Tuesday.

After getting a call from the Bills on Sunday night and traveling on Monday, Jackson, 36, took part in the team’s second padded practice. However, he did not engage in team drills on his first day. His signing coincides with the hamstring injury suffered by veteran Mike Edwards.

“I received the call and the chance to enter camp, which I had desired to do, and attempt to gain entry by competing with the guys in an effort to secure a spot,” Jackson remarked.

Edwards, according to coach Sean McDermott, is “week-to-week.” Due to Edwards’ injury, Damar Hamlin and rookie Cole Bishop will now battle it out for a starting position with Taylor Rapp. Unfortunately, Bishop had to leave practice early on Tuesday due to an injury. Edwards’ shoulder issue from the spring also kept him out of action.

Jackson had a turbulent 2023 campaign, missing six games due to suspension twice, being fined $89,670 several times, and losing $831,889 in pay. Jackson was suspended twice as a result of his hits on Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs and Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave during his time as a member of the Denver Broncos. Although Musgrave’s hit resulted in a two-game suspension, the other hit carried a four-game suspension.
It will be intriguing to see Jackson’s usage by the Bills and whether they can regulate his play. One thing is clear from this signing, though: Buffalo is in dire need of strong safety play.

After 11 seasons, veteran linebacker for the former Bills announces his retirement.

On Tuesday, the 33-year-old former linebacker for the Buffalo Bills, A.J. Klein, announced his retirement. With the Carolina Panthers (2013–16), New Orleans Saints (2017–19), Chicago Bears (2022), Baltimore Ravens (2022), and Bills (2020–21, 2022-23)—whose contract expired in January—Klein played 11 seasons in the National Football League. In total, he accumulated 465 tackles, 15.5 sacks, 45 tackles for loss, 27 quarterback hits, and 4 interceptions, one of which was returned for a score. He started 82 of 146 games.

He was chosen by the Panthers from Iowa State in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. The Appleton, Wisconsin, native Klein wrote on his Instagram account, “Today is the first birthday I’ve celebrated not at a training camp in 15 years and it only seemed fitting to celebrate two milestones on this day.” “Today, I’m proud to announce that I’m officially retiring from the NFL after 11 seasons.” –Media at the Field Level