The Green Bay Packers have been quite active during the offseason, yet fans are eagerly anticipating the possibility of a comeback for former beloved player, safety Micah Hyde.
In a departure from past off seasons, the Packers have made notable signings early in free agency. Among these moves, they acquired former Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs to fill the void left by Aaron Jones.
Additionally, they secured star safety Xavier McKinney with a significant four-year, $68 million contract.
Despite adding McKinney to their roster, the Packers still face a significant gap at the safety position. With Darnell Savage now part of the Jacksonville Jaguars and former contributors Jonathan Owens and Rudy Ford hitting free agency, Green Bay lacks a viable starting safety to complement McKinney.
With limited options available in free agency and the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, the team is considering a reunion with veteran free agent Micah Hyde.
Hyde, who was drafted by the Packers in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft, spent four seasons in Green Bay before achieving recognition as a two-time second-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler with the Buffalo Bills.
While rumors hint at mutual interest in a reunion this offseason, and TSWN with USA Today has identified the Packers as a suitable landing spot for the 33-year-old safety, it’s uncertain whether a long-term deal will materialize. Nonetheless, a return for Hyde to Green Bay could prove sensible for both parties in 2024.
A reunion with Micah Hyde aligns with Green Bay’s interests for several reasons.
Green Bay’s defensive landscape is set to undergo significant changes. The dismissal of former defensive coordinator Joe Barry this offseason signals a shift, with former Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley stepping in as his successor.
Hafley’s defensive strategy places a strong emphasis on single-high safety formations, particularly employing Cover 1 and Cover 3 schemes in the secondary. This approach demands versatile safety play, necessitating the ability to fulfill roles such as slot/box coverage and “post safety” duties to effectively cover the field from sideline to sideline.
Micah Hyde’s recent tenure with Buffalo, as highlighted by Pro Football Focus, showcases his adaptability across various positions, including slot corner, box safety, and free safety, aligning well with the multifaceted demands of Hafley’s system. Such versatility would complement the desired role for Xavier McKinney, keeping opposing offenses uncertain about the responsibilities of each player, particularly in response to pre-snap motion.
Furthermore, Hyde’s experience could serve as invaluable mentorship for McKinney and any potential rookie safeties drafted by the Packers this year.
Although negotiations might entail a shorter-term and more budget-friendly agreement due to Hyde’s age and injury history, a reunion holds promise and anticipation for Packers fans as they look ahead to the 2024 season.
Is Micah Hyde still capable of performing at a top-tier level?
While Micah Hyde has garnered significant recognition throughout his NFL career, there are doubts about his ability to maintain a high level of performance as a long-term starting-caliber safety heading into the 2024 season.
Approaching 34 years old towards the end of the 2024 season, Hyde’s recent statistics present a mixed picture. Despite a solid showing with 54 combined tackles, seven pass breakups, and two interceptions, there are concerns stemming from his injury history.
A season-ending neck injury in 2022, followed by another neck injury that led to missed games this past season, raises red flags, particularly given the physical demands of his position.
Nevertheless, Hyde managed to participate in 14 games during the previous season. If he can adapt to a rotational role within the Packers’ lineup for 2024, there’s potential for him to offer an improvement over the safety options the team had available in the previous season.
