Bills GM Brandon Beane provides a worrying update on an ascending star that will greatly impact teams’ 2026 plans
The Buffalo Bills may have found something special in the fifth round when they drafted safety Jordan Hancock. The Athletic broke the news that Hancock underwent shoulder surgery, all while discussing his potential impact in the 2026 season under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard.
The Buffalo Bills are gearing up for some big changes in 2026. A brand new head coach, new coordinators on both sides of the football, and a brand new stadium to boot. It’s an exciting time to be a member of the Bills Mafia.
All that’s left to do is wait for the season to begin, which feels like decades away from happening. The slow drip of news that comes in is enough to keep fans at bay while they desperately wait to see quarterback Josh Allen and the team get to work.
General manager Brandon Beane provided a huge update on the 2026 season, specifically the general manager provided an injury update on a key piece to the defense: safety Jordan Hancock. Hancock is expected to take a jump in his game and become a reliable depth piece for Buffalo.
The Athletic was the first to report on the story. It’s been reported that Hancock underwent offseason shoulder surgery and is rehabbing. Hancock’s timeline could keep him out for some of the spring workouts.
Jordan Hancock could be in for a bigger role in 2026
Hancock was selected by the Bills in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He busted his tail and wound up contributing in a much bigger way than people would have thought when he was drafted. He settled into his role at safety, but with a new defensive coordinator in Jim Leonhard, his position could change a little bit.
As The Athletic reported, the answer to whether or not he will be a nickel or a safety in the team’s new scheme is yet to be determined. Beane noted that a lot of it could depend on the numbers at cornerback and safety. Not only that, but the team needs as well. However, nickel is the more logical option based on the numbers alone.
Once he’s clear to resume football activities, Beane said that Hanockc will get “soaked in both” nickel and safety. For now, it’s a wait-and-see situation.
If there’s one thing this regime has made clear, it’s that versatility is going to be everything moving forward. When Hancock gets back on the field, he won’t just be fighting for a spot. He’ll be auditioning to become a chess piece.
And if he proves he belongs in multiple spots, don’t be surprised if his role in 2026 winds up being much bigger than anyone expected.
