The Buffalo Bills had a strong start to the midseason but have ultimately faded. Their winning streak ended, and Josh Allen, the starting quarterback, has not been able to recreate previous performances. The fall comes at a pivotal point in the franchise development with a new concern. 

Dianna Russini of The Athletic said, “The Bills are looking for help at safety and wide receiver.”

Safety Taylor Rapp has been on injured reserve because of a knee problem that he has been dealing with since training camp. According to the team, he will miss at least four games. The decision is a reflection of his struggle to produce at a level that is acceptable, even if he played through the injury before the shift.

“Medically, they feel like Rapp’s not in a spot where he can actually play at a level where we can function to do the job,” Coach Sean McDermott said.

With Rapp out, the Bills are already without their main backup, Damar Hamlin, leaving them vulnerable. Hamlin has been on injured reserve for two weeks. Due to a pectoral injury, he is anticipated to miss the majority of the season. Additionally, defensive tackle DaQuan Jones injured his calf during the first half of a 24-14 loss against Atlanta.

The absence of a reliable safety undermines coverage and run support, exposing the defense to big plays.

On the other hand, offensively, Josh Allen’s performance has been declining. Allen had a QBR of 17.7, was sacked four times, and only managed 180 throwing yards and two touchdowns, but two interceptions in the

Atlanta Falcons’ defeat. A secondary that is lacking in personnel, hasty readings, and poor pass blocking all add to the lack of protection and disruption of his rhythm.

“I’ve got to be better. Protections, IDs, movement in the pocket. Just gotta be better,” Josh Allen said after the loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

Shilo Sanders, cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, might have a chance because of the safety deficit. Following a preseason punch-out incident involving Bills tight end Zach Davidson. Sanders was hit with a $4,669 fine by the NFL. Sanders would get another shot if Buffalo signs him or elevates him, but he would be under pressure to stabilize a weak safety unit. 

The Bills’ downfall is correlated with the secondary and protection concerns becoming thinner. If Buffalo wants to start over and get back on track. It is essential that they find a suitable safety substitute as soon as possible.

Shilo Sanders crafts new iconic course amid NFL uncertainty

While still aiming for an NFL comeback, Shilo Sanders recently declared he would be exploring his skills outside of the football field.

“I’m not saying that’s what it is now. I’m just saying mentally I’m good because I know that I have a lot of talents and I’ve been blessed,” Shilo Sanders said. 

The timing aligns with his Goat Talk segment participation at Complex Con. Signaling that, although he is not playing in the NFL, he is open to options in modeling, acting, or music. 

“I was gonna go down that (acting) avenue once upon a time. I think that’s the avenue that or streaming that Shilo’s gonna go down, because he has that gift, man,” Deion Sanders said on the Colorado Football Coaches Show.

Sanders played for the Colorado Buffaloes and South Carolina Gamecocks throughout his 31-game collegiate career. He recorded 171 total tackles, 6 interceptions, and 5 forced fumbles. In 2023, he posted 71 tackles, one interception and a touchdown return, 4 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery.

Given the NFL’s trade deadline, he is a good choice for teams searching for depth at a reasonable cost.

According to NFL insider Ian Rapport, “Among a slew of DBs today, the #49ers worked out FA S Shiloh Sanders, per the wire.” 

The San Francisco 49ers showed interest in Sanders a month ago. After they lost their star pass rusher, Nick Bosa, to injury.

Dedicated to carrying on the NFL heritage of his father, Hall-of-Fame inductee Deion Sanders. At safety, Shilo Sanders has legendary backup potential. For a team looking for depth and competition in their secondary. Shilo Sanders’ experience, strength, and playmaking skills could fill a void. He is at a turning point in his career where he wants to pursue more off-field interests. His NFL background and performance history make a comeback possible.

Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports

Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports