Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane has consistently excelled at identifying undervalued talent, both in the draft and free agency. Since arriving in 2017, he’s built a reputation for acquiring high-value players while other franchises overspend. This approach contrasts sharply with former GM Doug Whaley’s methods.
During the 2025 offseason, Beane made impactful upgrades, particularly in key areas of need. In the secondary, the Bills re-signed Tre’Davious White and selected Maxwell Hairston, Jordan Hancock, and Dorian Strong in the draft. On the defensive front, they signed Joey Bosa, Larry Ogunjobi, and Michael Hoecht, and moved up in the draft twice to pick defensive tackles T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker. They also landed a potential gem in edge rusher Landon Jackson. Beane entered the offseason with a clear strategy and he executed it well.
However, one of the most impressive moves wasn’t the headline-grabbing addition of Bosa, but rather the under-the-radar signing of safety Darrick Forrest.
Darrick Forrest Named a Potential Breakout Star in 2025
CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso named Forrest among five players entering contract years who could have breakout seasons. He highlighted Forrest’s elite athleticism (boasting a 9.69 Relative Athletic Score) and his strong 2022 campaign in Washington, where he recorded four interceptions, nine pass deflections, and 88 tackles. However, a coaching change and injuries limited his opportunities afterward.
Still only 26, Forrest joined the Bills on a one-year, $1.3 million deal making him a low-cost, high-upside addition. With Buffalo’s safety group in transition after moving on from long-time All-Pros Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, Forrest has a real opportunity to make an impact.
The current safety group includes Taylor Rapp (a capable but temporary solution), promising second-round pick Cole Bishop, fan favorite Damar Hamlin, and Forrest, who might be the most overlooked of the bunch. If he returns to form, Forrest could prove to be one of Beane’s best value signings yet and a potential breakout star heading into the 2026 season.
