The Minnesota Twins’ manager, Rocco Baldell, welcomes a new baby.
The Detroit Lions had to play Mack Hyde twice a year at the start of his NFL career. The All-Pro safety Hyde may now choose to return to the NFC North in order to wrap off his career with the Lions, according to a source.
After spending the last seven seasons as a player for the Buffalo Bills, the 11-year veteran was chosen by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round of the 2013 draft. He is presently a free agent. Detroit might be the “best match” for Hyde if he has one more NFL stop left, according to Dom Pizzuta of The 33rd Team.
According to Pizzuta, Hyde’s versatility might provide the Lions “a sense of assurance at safety behind Ifeatu Melifonwu and Kerby Joseph.”
Hyde played more slot corner last season because the Buffalo Bills were forced to realign their roster and deal with injuries to key players, according to Pizzuta. Though his mobility has allowed the Lions to take advantage of their defensive backs, he shouldn’t be asked to play the slot very often.
Micah Hyde Could Be Cast in “Tracy Walker” Role
According to Pizzuta’s conjecture, Hyde might take Tracy Walker’s spot. Walker was a safety who was cut by the Lions after six seasons in Detroit. Walker played roughly 500 defensive snaps overall last season, starting at safety when Melifonwu and Joseph moved into the slot, according to Pizzuta.
Hyde’s range has decreased with age, and he missed a significant portion of the 2022 season and a few games in 2023 due to a neck injury. Still, Pizzuta noted that he might add depth to a formidable safety squad, and his expertise might be valued.
Hyde missed a large portion of the 2022 season because of a neck ailment, although he recovered and started 14 games for the Bills the year before. He finished with 54 total tackles, two interceptions, and seven passes defensed.
The Bills general manager Brandon Beane hinted that the team could be open to Hyde returning to Buffalo for the next season, so the Lions may have some competition if they try to sign him.
The Lions have offered several suggestions about the safety issue for the upcoming season. During the March NFL owners meetings in Florida, Lions head coach Dan Campbell told the media that cornerback Brian Branch will see some time at safety.
Branch started nine games and totaled 74 tackles during his rookie campaign. He also made three interceptions, one of which was returned for a score, and forced a fumble in the team’s opening-night triumph over the Kansas City Chiefs.
According to MLive.com’s Kyle Meinke, Campbell said, “We believe that Certain Branch has the flexibility to play the safety position at this moment.” “We already feel very confident with relation to the nickel. He will only get better in the future (as a safety). Sincerely, we believe he will be able to make it. Getting him there quickly is crucial.
Branch played both safety and cornerback at Alabama, where he was considered the finest safety in the previous year’s draft class, according to Meinke. But injuries have limited Branch’s versatility, forcing him to play primarily cornerback for the Lions. Campbell believes this will benefit Branch whatever of position he plays in the upcoming season.
“Because he’s been in the system for a year now,” Campbell shot back. “He knows. The fact that he views the nickel position completely differently is helpful. He can now start to fully submerge himself in the security (role). It is advantageous. Hey, it’s hard for a beginner. It’s not a simple undertaking to learn there, play at a good level, and do so consistently. As a result, he will feel much more comfortable this year.
