Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR 550) - Could it be the end of an era is on the horizon for the Buffalo Bills?
Micah Hyde has been a staple of the Buffalo defense, along with Jordan Poyer, since both safeties signed as free agents with the Bills during the 2017 offseason. Not only have Hyde and Poyer helped the defense remain consistently among the top units in the entire league, they have helped keep the Bills as top playoff contenders over the last five years.
However, Hyde's current contract is set to expire this March once the new league year begins on March 13. That will make him an unrestricted free agent at the age of 33.
While there is the possibility the Bills will bring back Hyde with a new contract this offseason, his wife, Amanda, took to social media on Tuesday to pen her thanks to "Bills Mafia" and the Western New York community.
"Once the season comes to an end, I typically have so much to say about Micah, and while his time is coming, this one is for you," said Hyde to lead her message to Bills fans.
Amanda Hyde went on to say when her and Micah left Green Bay, they did not know much about "Bills Mafia" and Western New York. However, they were quickly brought up to speed, and said they instantly fell in love with the community.
"Buffalo already felt more like home than any other place ever did. You gave us an instant sense of belonging," Hyde recollected.
"Through it all, you guys always embraced, celebrated and welcomed our family, and in return we will always embrace YOU. Every single one of you."
When discussing what "Bills Mafia" is after seven years of living in Western New York and raising a family with Micah, Amanda simply said, "It's family."
"It's a wild display of loyalty. And nothing - no other fan base - can ever top it, let alone come close. Billieve that!," she added. "Through the highs and lows, you guys stood by our side, and we see you. This really is the 'City of Good Neighbors', and what a privilege is has been.
"So 'Bills Mafia', thank you. Thank you for making this place our home. Thank you for being so good to us. Thank you for making each season so special. And thank you for making this place so hard to leave. You will always have a special piece of our hearts, and man, do we love you guys!"
Hyde goes on to say that while this end-of-season loss may sting right now, she believes the region will get its long-desired championship. And even if, indeed, their time in Buffalo is over, she says the Hyde family will "happily be promoted from the roster to 'The Mafia'."
In his seven seasons with the Bills, Hyde played in 95 of a possible 115 games, starting all of those contests while registering 417 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, one sack, 16 interceptions, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and one touchdown.
In nine playoff games, Hyde registered 39 total tackles, four passes defended, and a memorable interception in the 2021 AFC Wild Card Round against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium.
Hyde has also been a key leader in the Buffalo locker room, serving as a defensive captain for the last three seasons.
In addition to Hyde, there is also uncertainty surrounding Poyer's future in Buffalo. He's entering the final year of his contract with the Bills in 2024, but has a potential out clause in his contract that would only cost the Bills $2 million of a dead cap space.
Bills general manager Brandon Beane did mention during his end-of-season press conference on Tuesday that with their current cap situation heading into the 2024 season, they will likely be younger at some positions, thus the significance of drafting well in this April's NFL Draft.
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