Buffalo Bills’ Safety Strategy: Reuniting Josh Allen and Marcus Epps
The Buffalo Bills find themselves in need of bolstering their safety roster without much wiggle room in their salary cap. With Taylor Rapp anchoring the position and promising talent like Cole Bishop on the rise, the team has a decent starting lineup but lacks depth. The impending free agency of Damar Hamlin further complicates their situation, as he might seek opportunities elsewhere.
Marcus Epps: A Veteran Safety on the Mend
Among the potential options for the Bills lies Marcus Epps, a seasoned safety familiar to Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen from their college days. Epps, recovering from an ACL injury, brings experience and versatility to the table. Despite his recent setback, Epps’ track record showcases reliability, having started 20 consecutive games for the Las Vegas Raiders before his injury.
Epps’ Market Value and Performance
At 29 years old, Epps is a seasoned player whose market value hovers around $1.8 million per season. His recent tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles and subsequent move to the Raiders underscores his adaptability and on-field contributions. Over the past four years, Epps has maintained solid defensive stats, averaging 67 tackles and 4.5 passes defensed per season, indicating his impact on the field.
A History of Success: Epps and Allen
The connection between Epps and Allen dates back to their college years at Wyoming, where their paths first crossed. Epps’ impressive defensive prowess during Allen’s senior year further solidifies their shared history. This shared background could potentially translate into on-field chemistry and strategic understanding, making Epps an enticing option for the Bills.
A Reunion in the Making
Considering the Bills’ pressing need for additional safety talent and Epps’ quest for a new contract post-injury, a reunion between the two former college teammates seems not just nostalgic but strategically sound. The prospect of reuniting Epps and Allen in Orchard Park offers a compelling narrative of familiarity and shared success that could benefit the team’s defensive capabilities.
As the Bills navigate the complexities of their roster decisions, the strategic move to potentially bring Epps on board represents a calculated risk that could pay dividends in fortifying their defense and fostering cohesion within the team.
