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Bills Picked Their Safety Pairing, but the Trade Deadline Could Still Change It
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- Bills Picked Their Safety Pairing, but the Trade Deadline Could Still Change It
Buffalo made its choice at safety on Tuesday, and Damar Hamlin was the winner. The Bills released C.J. Gardner-Johnson two days after Hamlin started in his place against Baltimore, leaving Hamlin and Cole Bishop as the pairing heading into Monday night against the Vikings.
The decision was about trust. Buffalo "felt better trusting Damar over CJ going forward," NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe reported , after deciding there were too many "what the hell is he doing" plays from Gardner-Johnson. He had started six games before serving a one-game suspension for spitting in the Raiders game.
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How Damar Hamlin and Cole Bishop played
Sep 28, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin (3) on the field after a game against the New Orleans Saints at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Imagesreuters.com,2025:newsml_MT1USATODAY27227026:1363813413
Hamlin was steady in the 36-10 rout of the Ravens . He played 51 snaps, allowed one catch on two targets in coverage, broke up a pass and finished with a 66.6 overall grade, according to PFF. Bishop added a sack and a forced fumble on 45 snaps, though his 28.7 tackling grade showed a missed tackle on one of his two attempts.
That's a workable pairing for a 6-1 team, and the defense around them is rolling. Buffalo played its most aggressive game of the season against Baltimore. The concern is what sits behind them. ESPN's depth chart lists rookie Jalon Kilgore and Sam Franklin Jr. as the backups.
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Not everyone thinks the job is finished. "Hamlin is a nice backup, but be better Bills," the Democrat and Chronicle's Sal Maiorana wrote after the release , arguing Buffalo now needs to trade for a safety. The Bills have been linked to Cardinals safety Budda Baker and Titans safety Amani Hooker , who leads the NFL with five interceptions. Tennessee isn't expected to hold a fire sale , though, and would need an overpay to move a defensive starter.
So the Bills have six days to decide whether Hamlin is the answer or the bridge. If Hamlin and Bishop handle Minnesota in prime time, Buffalo can save its assets for another need. If they don't, the Nov. 10 deadline gives Buffalo one last chance to buy before the stretch run.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
