Expectations were high for Cole Bishop upon arrival in Buffalo during his rookie campaign in 2024. Things did not go entirely according to plan, but a starting safety spot is available to him this offseason. 
Bishop has operated with Buffalo’s first-team defense during the outset of OTAs, as noted by Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic (subscription required). That comes as little surprise given his status as a second-round pick from last year’s draft. The Bills’ other moves at the safety position this spring have pointed to a starting tandem alongside Taylor Rapp taking shape.
Rapp started each of his appearances last season, but Bishop missing most of training camp due to injury opened the door to Damar Hamlin handling first-team duties. The latter was retained on a one-year contract in March, a move which ensured continuity in the secondary but did not guarantee him a starting gig for 2025. Buffalo made an outside addition in the form of Darrick Forrest, but that veteran minimum investment will not impact the team’s defense.
During the 2025 draft, the Bills added three defensive backs. One of them – fifth-rounder Jordan Hancock – could see time at safety during his NFL tenure. The Ohio State product can be expected to primarily handle special teams work especially as a rookie, though. His presence should not impact Bishop’s ability to earn a starting spot in 2025.
Upon recovering in time for Week 2, Bishop managed to appear in each of Buffalo’s remaining regular and postseason games. The 22-year-old logged a 34% defensive snap share, and that figure will increase significantly this season if he can indeed land a starter’s role. Plenty of time remains before training camp even begins, but Bishop is off to a good start in his efforts to become a mainstay on defense for 2025 and beyond.