Buffalo’s 53-man cut highlighted three players who drew strong preseason cases but didn’t survive final team decisions: Shane Buechele, Darrick Forrest and Dane Jackson. Buechele flashed in the finale vs. Tampa, going 25-of-30 for 278 yards with a touchdown, signaling depth behind Allen and Trubisky and a likely spot on the practice squad. Forrest offered playmaking pedigree at safety, but Buffalo chose other options alongside Taylor Rapp, narrowing Forrest’s path. Jackson, in a DB room hit by injuries and scrutiny, found himself on the outside, opening the door for rookies to push in. The results tighten the Bills’ flexibility as injuries and situational depth determine future roster moves and fantasy upside.

For fantasy managers, the takeaway is cautious: none of the three are immediate fantasy-relevant assets, but their fates matter for late-season depth and potential promotions. Buechele remains a valuable insurance option on the practice squad, Forrest’s ceiling hinges on injuries and promotions, and Jackson’s spot depends on how the Bills rotate in rookie help and depth players. Watch how Buffalo reshapes its back end as the season approaches.

Buffalo’s final preseason test vs. Tampa Bay doubles as a roster showcase. Mitch Trubisky will look to solidify the QB2 role behind Josh Allen with crisp, low-risk drives and timely throws. Curtis Samuel returns from injury and squads with Tyrell Shavers for WR depth, while Maxwell Hairston and Dane Jackson vie for extra CB spots as Tre'Davious White recovers. Joe Andreessen adds LB depth and Buffalo’s 53-man math tightens around WR/CB competition and special-teams upside.

The Buffalo Bills have secured one of the top cornerbacks in the league with Christian Benford, who recently signed a significant contract extension. However, the question remains: who will line up opposite him? The Bills have bolstered their secondary by re-signing Dane Jackson and Tre'Davious White during free agency, and they also drafted Maxwell Hairston as the 30th overall pick in the 2025 draft. This trio is expected to compete for the cornerback spot alongside Benford, with defensive coordinator Bobby Babich closely monitoring the competition.

As the season approaches, the Bills' defensive strategy could hinge on the outcome of this cornerback battle. Each player's performance in training camp and preseason will be critical in determining who earns the starting position. With a strong secondary being essential for success in the NFL, fans and fantasy owners alike will be eager to see how it unfolds.

Dane Jackson, a cornerback for the Buffalo Bills, is making a significant change this season by switching his jersey number from 30 to 23, previously worn by teammate Micah Hyde. While players typically don't require permission to change their numbers, Jackson opted to ask for approval, demonstrating respect for the legacy associated with the number. This move highlights Jackson's connection to his former teammate and signifies his commitment to honoring the past while carving out his own identity on the field.

As Jackson prepares for the upcoming season, this change may also reflect a shift in his role with the team, possibly indicating increased expectations as he continues to develop as a key defensive player. Adapting to a new number can carry psychological implications for athletes, often motivating them to elevate their performance and strive for excellence.

Buffalo Bills cornerback Dane Jackson is making a comeback to the team after a brief stint with the Carolina Panthers. Over the last four seasons, he proved to be a reliable contributor in the Bills' secondary, previously intercepting three passes. This year, he's taken No. 23, the number formerly worn by Pro Bowl safety Micah Hyde, which he considers a significant honor. Jackson reached out to Hyde before making the decision, emphasizing the number's importance.