Siran

Neal

Ramsey was a limited participant in Friday’s practice as he attempts to come back from the hamstring injury that’s plagued him for the past few weeks, and it sounds like the 29-year-old defender is truly a game-time decision for the opener against Jacksonville. If he is unable to go, it’d likely be Siran Neal starting at corner in Ramsey’s absence. It’s something to keep in mind for those who roster Ramsey in IDP leagues, and those who roster Jacksonville wideouts.

Neal was released by the Bills last week as the team made cuts to deal with tight cap space. He was primarily a special teamer, tallying under 15% of his snaps on defense. The Giants will potentially add him to a safety room that has Xavier McKinney entering free agency. If Neal joins the team, it won’t impact a potential McKinney re-signing as much, but something to keep an eye on as free agency begins.

Neal signed a three-year extension in 2022. Tight on cap space, the Bills were forced to part ways with him a year before the end of his deal. Neal primarily played on special teams in 2023, totaling 45 defensive snaps and 342 special teams snaps. He accounted for 13 tackles last year.

Bills head coach Sean McDermott didn’t seem concerned about the availability of any of the players ahead of Sunday’s contest. Hyde, Floyd, and Bates were all on the bikes on the sideline and Neal was able to get in some minor workouts. As veterans, all of them should be able to play on Sunday if they can get one limited practice in this week. Against a prolific Dolphins offense, the Bills certainly need both Hyde and Poyer to be out there. Hyde missed all three games against the Dolphins last year with his neck injury.

Neal’s rookie deal was set to expire next month, but the Bills are keeping him with an extension that can max out at $10.9 million. Neal was a fifth-round pick in 2018 and has developed into one of Buffalo’s special teams aces. He played just 14% of the defensive snaps last season as a deeper defensive reserve.

Neal is a bit overaged and will be 24 by Week 1. He is considered a corner or safety, and Buffalo has needs at both positions. He tested slightly above average during his athletic testing. Development is needed, but that is why Neal ended up in the fifth round. Experience at both defensive back spots helps.