The Buffalo Bills are banking on a new safety duo, CJ Gardner-Johnson and emerging Cole Bishop, to bring the big plays to Jim Leonhard’s defense right now. They’re hoping this pair can be the next great takeaway duo after Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde, who combined for 38 interceptions, 11 forced fumbles, and 10 recoveries during their seven seasons side-by-side.
Bishop’s Breakout Season After Early Bumps
Cole Bishop’s second NFL season in 2025 was stellar, his first as a full-time starter. After an injury stunted his rookie year in 2024 and some early struggles in 2025, Bishop exploded with an outstanding interception in Week 4 against New Orleans. That was his first career pick, and it clearly catapulted his confidence for the rest of the year. He finished with three interceptions, two sacks, seven pass breakups, and a team-high 85 tackles. It’s no coincidence that Bishop excelled once he wasn’t bogged down with mistake-prone Taylor Rapp as his partner. When Rapp suffered a season-ending injury, Poyer stepped in, and that veteran presence allowed Bishop to really flourish, knowing he had Poyer covering his back. Now, the Bills need him to keep that energy going.
Gardner-Johnson’s Edge and Experience
Poyer is gone, and CJ Gardner-Johnson was signed to replace him. This dude brings a ton of experience, racking up 20 interceptions, three forced fumbles, and a recovery over seven seasons with the Saints, Eagles, Lions, Texans, and Bears. But he’s also known for a “feisty attitude” that has “worn out his welcome” and led to him bouncing around the league. Still, the Bills are betting he’s an upgrade over the aging Poyer. Gardner-Johnson himself said he brings “ballhawk ability, physicality and ability to toe the line, but not cross it.” He believes his “experience and productivity speaks for itself,” and that he and Bishop are “gonna just be another great duo, just feeding off each other, ready to make plays.” He’s talking about driving the defense to “take the ball away and play aggressive.”
With Geno Stone added and Damar Hamlin re-signed, plus the potential of second-year man Jordan Hancock, the Bills have plenty of options in the safety room. Head coach Joe Brady loves the depth and competition, saying Bishop is now “the guy that’s actually the only one who’s been here in the starting role.” It’s clear the Bills are ready to see what this new, aggressive duo can do, starting with what’s happening at training camp right now. Can they live up to the hype and deliver those game-altering turnovers? That’s the big question this year.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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