The Buffalo Bills made a surprising move this week, parting ways with second-year cornerback Jalen Kimber, just three games into the 2025 season. Kimber, who had been with the team since late August, spent the first part of the season on the practice squad after being released by the Tennessee Titans. The decision to release Kimber opens up a roster spot for further reinforcements on the defensive side of the ball.
Kimber, who went undrafted in 2024, was seen as a promising young talent by scouts, and after his release from the Titans, the Bills hoped to see him develop further. However, Kimber struggled to climb the depth chart in Buffalo’s secondary and failed to make an impact on the active roster, despite some injuries in the position group.
Jalen Kimber’s College and Pre-Draft Profile
Before turning professional, Kimber was recognized as an athletic cornerback with impressive physical traits. Although he went undrafted, Kimber had a solid college career and was considered one of the top undrafted free agents of 2024. According to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, Kimber possessed athleticism and size, but there were still rough edges to his game that needed refining.
Zierlein highlighted Kimber’s solid speed and agility but also pointed out concerns with his long speed and playmaking instincts. Though Kimber’s tackling improved during his final college season, his play strength and toughness in run support were areas that raised questions for NFL teams.
Bills’ Next Steps and Roster Adjustments
Buffalo wasted no time in using Kimber’s roster spot, signing linebacker Otis Reese IV to bolster their defense. The team continues to tweak its roster to ensure they have the best options available for the remainder of the season.
Maxwell Hairston’s Return on the Horizon
Looking ahead, the Bills are waiting for another promising young cornerback to return. Maxwell Hairston, a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, was placed on injured reserve after sustaining an injury during training camp. Hairston will be eligible to return after the Bills’ upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints, but head coach Sean McDermott has tempered expectations.
SEAN MCDERMOTT: “RIGHT NOW, IT’S LOWERING EXPECTATIONS AND MANAGING THEM. JUST TAKING IT ONE DAY AT A TIME. SEEING WHEN, AND IF, HE CAN COME BACK.”
McDermott emphasized that the team wouldn’t be able to fully evaluate Hairston’s readiness until they saw him practice and perform. Given the uncertainty surrounding Hairston’s recovery, McDermott is taking a cautious approach as they continue to monitor his progress.
SEAN MCDERMOTT: “I DON’T WANT TO CAST DOUBT ON THE SITUATION, BUT YOU JUST STILL NEVER KNOW, UNTIL A PLAYER’S BACK. IT’S SOMEWHAT OF A UNIQUE INJURY A LITTLE BIT… WE’RE REALLY TRYING TO CONTROL WHAT WE CAN, AND I KNOW HE IS AS WELL.”
As the Bills continue to navigate the season, they are hopeful for Hairston’s eventual return, but for now, they are focusing on managing their roster and keeping their defense sharp.
With the release of Kimber and Hairston’s impending return, the Bills’ secondary will remain a point of focus as they look to maintain their strong start to the season and make a push for the playoffs.
