Buffalo Bills Reach Verbal Agreement to Sign Former Four-Time All-Pro Before Final Preseason Game

The Buffalo Bills have responded to their preseason struggles with a decisive roster move. After dropping their first two games, the team is addressing a glaring weakness in the secondary before the final exhibition matchup.

Defensive breakdowns have been costly, exposing depth concerns and forcing coaches to adjust. Injuries have only magnified the issue, leaving the roster without the veteran stability needed to withstand NFL competition as September approaches.

Taylor Rapp remains sidelined with a knee injury, while Jordan Hancock continues to recover from a shoulder issue. Although Cole Bishop has returned to limited practice, Buffalo’s coaching staff lacks faith in current backup options.

Damar Hamlin has disappointed in extended action, and Cam Lewis has struggled to provide consistency. With starter-level reliability in doubt, the Bills front office began exploring emergency options capable of stepping in immediately.

That urgency has led to a verbal agreement with Justin Simmons, one of the league’s most decorated safeties. The one-year pact is reportedly valued at $4 million, with a $1 million signing bonus included, pending finalization.

“He brings leadership, range, and instincts this defense desperately needs,” an AFC personnel source said. “Simmons has proven he can create turnovers, elevate teammates, and steady a unit in critical situations. This is a significant addition.”

For Buffalo, the signing symbolizes urgency and ambition. If finalized, Simmons will provide the steadying presence their secondary has lacked, giving the Bills a chance to stabilize defensively before the regular season officially begins.