Cole Bishop Sets Stage for Breakout Third Year

Heading into the 2025 NFL season, doubts lingered over whether Cole Bishop could anchor the Buffalo Bills’ secondary as a starter. The safety carried a shoulder injury from rookie training camp and a quad problem that limited him during the 2025 offseason program. This year, however, Bishop arrives as an unquestioned starter under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, and the Bills are counting on a leap forward.

Bishop’s Confidence Grows Ahead of Year 3

Early in training camp, Sean McDermott signaled that Bishop had not yet earned a starting safety spot after a lackluster preseason performance against the Chicago Bears. The narrative shifted quickly once the regular season began, as Bishop started every game—17 regular season contests and both playoff tilts. He finished with 99 tackles, four interceptions, eight pass breakups and two sacks, solidifying his role as the Bills’ top back in the secondary.

The statistical upside is clear: Bishop’s PFF grade jumped from 52.0 as a rookie to 70.7 in 2025, landing him 24th among 98 qualified safeties. In coverage, he posted a 73.7 grade, the 16th‑best mark among 73 safeties, and his 29.6 passer rating allowed was the lowest for any safety with 300+ snaps.

What Bishop Said About His Next Steps

When asked about his mindset for the upcoming season, Bishop replied, “I’m excited. I wouldn’t necessarily say more freedom, but this year I think Jim’s got a lot of good things. I’ll be able to be down (in the box) and be back (deep). Definitely a lot more confident (in his third season), more so just comfortable.” He also mentioned shaking off a knee injury that bothered him earlier in training camp, signaling a rejuvenated attitude heading into his third pro year.

His newfound confidence aligns with the Bills’ vision for a more versatile safety corps. Jim Leonhard’s defense is expected to exploit Bishop’s athleticism, allowing him to play both in the box and deep zones.

Bills News You Shouldn’t Miss

Buffalo is hosting an open practice on August 18 for fans who do not hold season tickets, giving a rare glimpse of the roster in action. Meanwhile, the arrival of rookie cornerback Davison Igbinosun is shaking up the secondary and could challenge veteran Maxwell Hairston for starting duties. Wide receiver Khalil Shakir is in position to cross the 1,000‑yard mark, while several defensive linemen remain on the roster bubble as the team trims down. Finally, a beat writer recently weighed in on the Bills’ all‑time Mount Rushmore, offering insight into the franchise’s most iconic players.