The Buffalo Bills have given their reliable Pro Bowl safety Micah Hyde an early offseason gift. The team announced on social media on Friday that Hyde accepted a two-year extension, which will extend his stay with the franchise through the 2023 season.
The Bills didn’t disclose financial aspects of the agreement, but the extension is reportedly worth $19.25 million overall. Hyde will earn $5.1 million in 2021, courtesy of the five-year, $30.5 million contract he inked with the franchise as a free agent in 2017.
While most teams are looking to free some salary cap with new contracts around this time, it appears this wasn’t the Bills’ motivation. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Hyde’s cap hit will remain the same, so the team really just wanted to reward him for his good play in past years.
Since coming to Buffalo, Micah Hyde proved himself indispensable for the Bills, having started all but two games. He’s also had a big impact on the team off the field, being considered a leader and strong locker room voice.
Hyde was a big reason for the success of the Bills defense last season, completing one of the best safety duos in the NFL with Jordan Poyer. He finished the regular part of the campaign with 70 tackles, five passes defended, and one interception while adding 17 tackles and three passes defended in the playoffs.
