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Marcel Louis-JacquesESPN
BUFFALO, NY – The Buffalo Bills and security Micah Hyde have agreed to a two-year contract extension, the team announced Friday, which will keep him in Buffalo through the 2023 season.
The two-year extension is worth $ 19.25 million, the NFL Network reported.
Hyde, a 2017 Pro Bowler, is one of the leaders in the defense of the Bills and, along with Jordan Poyer, is one of the best safety duos in the league.
Hyde would become a free agent after the 2021 season. Now he, Poyer and cornerback Tre’Davious White have been signed for at least the 2022 season. The trio each came to Buffalo during the same off-season, and Hyde said the trio came in with a focus on changing the culture within the Bills organization.
After reaching the AFC Championship four years after his tenure, Hyde was not interested in leaving behind what he helped build.
“We felt that when we got there in ’17, the organization was clearly not where we wanted it and I thought we were able to turn the problem around for the past few years,” he said. “I would have had a big, empty pit in my stomach if I had ended up somewhere else – because this team is moving in the right direction.”
Originally drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2013, Hyde left Green Bay after the 2016 season, after the Packers told him mid-season they would not re-sign him. Hyde said experience “left a scar” and he “can’t even put into words” what his first contract extension means to him.
“It was a pivotal point in my career where I really looked myself in the mirror and said, ‘we really need to change this thing and get better,’” he said. “I think with the opportunity I got in Buffalo, it just came hand in hand.
Since joining the Bills in 2017, Hyde has been the Bills’ third best tackler with 282 combined tackles and is in third place with nine interceptions and 25 defended passes. He finished with 70 tackles and an interception in 2020.
In addition to his contributions on the field, Hyde has often tried unsuccessfully to play recruiter in recent seasons. He said anyone interested in joining the Bills is more than welcome, but he hasn’t forgotten how many times his offers have been turned down in the past.
“I would talk to some freelancers that I am in the area with, we would have interviews and they would visit,” Hyde said. “I would say, ‘Hey man, come to Buffalo’ and they say, ‘I’m cool, I’m going elsewhere.’
“Well, at the end of the day, I bet they’re pretty pissed off not taking those visits with Buffalo because they’re probably on a trash crew or sitting on a couch somewhere else., As you can see, I’m a little angry because I’ve been rejected so many times and guys throw us under the carpet a bit. “
Bill’s GM Brandon Beane foreshadowed an extension at his end-of-season press conference, proclaiming his fanship of Hyde.
“I haven’t seen a decrease in Micah this year, so I can’t say I think he’s going down or anything,” Beane said. “I am a huge fan of Micah Hyde, exactly what he brings not only on the pitch but also in our building. You feel me. One of the most positive personalities to be around and just a super competitive dude You wouldn’t feel that if you just talk to him during an interview, he probably doesn’t feel competitive in a one-on-one conversation.
“But when he’s on that field, he’s one of the most competitive guys and that’s what you love about him. I think he’ll definitely play in this league for years to come if he wants to.”