Ko

Simpson

Simpson will be replaced by normal third safety Jim Leonhard. Simpson proved to be a steal after somehow falling to the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. His loss is a direct blow to Buffalo’s pass defense.

Simpson, a promising second-year safety, is likely lost for the season. Jim Leonhard will fill in for the short term, and the Bills may explore moving Donte Whitner to center field if rookie John Wendling comes along quickly at strong safety. An already shaky Bills defense took a massive hit Sunday.

Simpson passed his exit physical, but is still building strength in the ankle. He expects to be ready for OTAs in March, and shouldn’t have a problem getting his FS job back from George Wilson, despite Wilson’s solid play.

Four weeks is an optimistic timetable for a sports hernia recovery, but his surgery was labeled “routine.” Still, it’s going to kill any shot Byrd had at winning Buffalo’s free safety job. Bryan Scott and Donte Whitner will open the year as the Bills’ safeties, assuming Ko Simpson doesn’t step up.

Simpson is 25 and can cover, but his January arrest for hindering a police investigation will limit his market value. He was a 2006 fourth-round pick.

Scott is a sleeper there for lots of tackles, but he may not last long. The Bills’ coaching staff is high on second-round pick Jairus Byrd (despite Byrd’s ugly 4.7 speed). Ideally, they’ll want Byrd to settle in at free safety with Donte Whitner manning the strong side. Scott will have a short leash.

The deal is pending a physical, which Simpson should pass. Simpson was being phased out in Buffalo, but he fills a major need for the Lions if they plan to play him at strong safety. He should start opposite rookie Louis Delmas once he gets his feet wet.

Simpson saw his first significant action last week against Washington. He will likely start opposite rookie Louis Delmas, as the Lions could use some help on defense defending the pass. Detroit ranks 30th in the league in pass defense and will have a tough matchup in Jay Cutler on Sunday.