The NFL world is reeling after the Buffalo Bills made the shocking decision to release second-year cornerback Daequan Hardy for the second time in just 72 hours, capping a whirlwind week for the young player. Hardy, a 2024 sixth-round pick out of Penn State, experienced an emotional rollercoaster that saw him cut from the roster, briefly re-signed to the practice squad, and then released again in a matter of days.
A Tumultuous 72 Hours
On Tuesday, the Bills parted ways with Hardy during their roster cuts as they finalized their 53-man roster. The following day, Wednesday, Hardy was brought back to the team’s practice squad, offering a glimmer of hope that he’d remain in Buffalo’s plans. However, that hope was short-lived. By Thursday, the Bills made the surprising move to release Hardy again, replacing him with cornerback Jalen Kimber and defensive end Andre Jones Jr. on the practice squad.
The Bills had one open practice squad spot after Wednesday’s signings, and with the additions of Kimber and Jones Jr., the team’s practice squad is now at its full capacity of 17 players, including international pathways program member Travis Clayton.
Hardy’s Struggles and Missed Opportunities
Hardy was initially viewed as a potential return specialist for Buffalo, particularly after a 27-yard kickoff return in the preseason opener. However, the competition for the return role intensified, with the Bills trading for Brandon Codrington on cutdown day and giving opportunities to Laviska Shenault. Ultimately, Codrington secured the job, leaving Hardy on the outside looking in.
On the defensive side, Hardy showed flashes of potential during the preseason but struggled significantly in the finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Starting at nickel cornerback in place of injured veterans Taron Johnson and Cam Lewis, Hardy posted a dismal 29.5 Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade, the lowest among 27 Bills defensive players in the game. He was notably outplayed in critical moments, allowing touchdowns to Tampa Bay rookies in the final two minutes of each half. In the second quarter, quarterback Kyle Trask connected with Tez Johnson for a score over Hardy’s head. Later, with just over two minutes remaining, Hardy slipped in coverage, allowing Garrett Greene to haul in a leaping touchdown.
While Hardy’s earlier preseason performances were more promising—grading at 60.1 in Week 1 (20th of 36 Bills players) and 65.8 in Week 2 (6th of 28)—his struggles in the finale likely contributed to the Bills’ decision to move on.
New Faces on the Practice Squad
In Hardy’s place, the Bills added two players to bolster their practice squad depth. Jalen Kimber, a 6-foot, 190-pound cornerback and fellow Penn State alum, was signed after going undrafted in 2025. Kimber, who recorded 35 tackles and three pass breakups as a senior, spent training camp with the Tennessee Titans, where he logged two preseason tackles before being released on Monday. His college career also included stints at Georgia and Florida, giving him a diverse background and experience in high-level programs.
The Bills also addressed their lack of an edge rusher on the initial practice squad by signing Andre Jones Jr., a 2023 seventh-round pick by the Washington Commanders. The 6-foot-5, 258-pound defensive end appeared in 16 games over two seasons with Washington, including 14 games and two starts as a rookie, tallying five career tackles and three passes defended. His addition provides much-needed depth to Buffalo’s defensive line.
NFL Fans and Analysts React
The rapid sequence of Hardy’s release, re-signing, and subsequent release has sparked widespread discussion across the NFL community. Fans and analysts alike have taken to social media to express their shock at the Bills’ handling of the situation, with many questioning the team’s decision-making process. Hardy’s potential as a return specialist and his flashes of defensive ability made him a fan favorite, and his abrupt departure has left many wondering if another team will give him a chance to shine.
For now, the Bills appear focused on their new practice squad additions as they prepare for the regular season. However, Hardy’s whirlwind experience serves as a stark reminder of the NFL’s cutthroat nature, where even a dream job can vanish in the blink of an eye—twice.