The Green Bay Packers have been busy making changes, but fans are still hoping for the return of former popular player Micah Hyde in the safety position.
Unlike before, the Packers have made significant moves in the early free agency period. Along with signing former Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs to replace Aaron Jones, the Packers also made a major free-agent move by signing star safety Xavier McKinney to a four-year, $68 million deal.
deal. However, even after signing McKinney, the Packers still have a big need at safety. Darnell Savage is now with the Jacksonville Jaguars, while other former contributors in Jonathan Owens and Rudy Ford are available in free agency, leaving the Packers without a realistic starting-caliber safety to play alongside McKinney.
The options outside of free agency are limited, and although the team could pursue a potential starting safety in the 2024 NFL Draft, the team could also consider a reunion with veteran free agent Micah Hyde.
Hyde was drafted by the Packers in 2013 and played for four seasons in Green Bay before achieving second-team All-Pro status twice and making the Pro Bowl for the Buffalo Bills.
An rumors with unknown sources suggest that there is mutual interest between the two sides for a reunion this offseason, while TSWN with USA Today has identified the Packers as a top option for the 33-year-old safety. A long-term move is unlikely, but a return to Green Bay could make sense in 2024.
Why Bringing Back Micah Hyde Makes Sense For Green Bay
Big changes are expected for Green Bay on defense. Former defensive coordinator Joe Barry was fired this offseason, while former Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley is taking over as his replacement.
Hafley’s defensive style focuses on single-high safety schemes, particularly with Cover 1 and Cover 3 coverages in the secondary. This style puts extra emphasis on safety play, requiring safeties to be able to play in a slot/box role and/or a “post safety” role to cover the entire width of the field.
According to Pro Football Focus, Hyde spent significant time as a slot corner (199 snaps), box safety (227 snaps), and free safety (460 snaps) during this past season with Buffalo. That kind of versatility complements what the Packers will want to do with McKinney, keeping opposing offenses guessing about the responsibilities of either player, even with pre-snap motion.
Hyde could also serve as a experienced mentor for McKinney, as well as any potential rookie safety the Packers might select in this year’s draft. The two parties would likely need to agree on a more affordable short-term deal given Hyde’s age and injury history, but a reunion would be an exciting prospect for Packers fans ahead of the 2024 season.
Can Micah Hyde Still Play at a High Level?
Although Hyde has achieved significant success in his NFL career, it’s uncertain whether he can continue to be a long-term starting-caliber safety in 2024.
Hyde will turn 34 years old towards the end of the 2024 season, but is coming off a solid season with 54 combined tackles, seven pass breakups, and two interceptions.
That being said, Hyde experienced a severe neck injury that ended his season in 2022. season-ending neck injury in 2022 just two games into the year, and dealt with a separate neck injury this past season that caused him to miss some time. That type of recurring injury is a concern, especially at such a physically demanding position.
Still, Hyde was able to play in 14 games this past season, and if he can serve in a rotational role for the Packers in 2024, he may be an upgrade compared to what the team had to work with this past season at safety.
