May 20, 2024

Levi Wallace, the former Buffalo Bills cornerback, was rumored to possibly return to Buffalo, but he’s now heading out west. The Denver Broncos announced on April 22 that Wallace signed a one-year contract with them. He spent the first four seasons of his career with the Bills, starting 52 games and making six interceptions. Wallace was considered a potential free-agent option for the Bills after veteran Tre’Davious White was released in early March. There was some speculation fueled by a cryptic post from Wallace hinting at a return to Buffalo, but he ultimately joined the Broncos with the chance to secure another starting role.

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Bills Fans Speculated About Return

From 2018 to 2021, Wallace played for the Bills before joining the Pittsburgh Steelers. He became a free agent again this offseason. On March 10, shortly after the Bills released White, Wallace posted on Instagram, including a photo of him at Highmark Stadium in Buffalo during his time with the Steelers, with the caption: “Felt like you missed me so..,” which sparked speculation among fans about a possible return to Buffalo.

Fans speculated whether Wallace might rejoin the Bills, especially after rumors during last season’s trade deadline. Anthony Licciardi of SI.com noted that Wallace’s role with the Steelers had been taken over by rookie Joey Porter Jr., making Wallace potentially available. Wallace’s Instagram story with a single emoji added fuel to the speculation.

Licciardi suggested that Wallace could bolster the Bills’ defense, particularly with injuries and inconsistent play from second-year cornerback Kaiir Elam. He noted Wallace’s past success with the Bills and his potential fit in head coach Sean McDermott’s defensive scheme.

Despite the speculation, the Bills traded for cornerback Rasul Douglas from the Green Bay Packers instead. Douglas proved instrumental, making 29 tackles, one sack, and four interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, in eight games.

Levi Wallace Brings Veteran Presence to Denver

Parker Gabriel of the Denver Post highlighted that Wallace’s signing aligns with the Broncos’ offseason strategy of adding affordable veterans to complement their young defensive core.
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Gabriel suggested that Wallace could be a strong candidate to secure a starting role alongside fourth-year cornerback Patrick Surtain II. He compared Wallace’s role to that of veteran offensive lineman Sam Mustipher, who provides experience at center without a guaranteed starting position, similar to how Wallace offers experience at cornerback, particularly considering the lack of experience around Surtain.

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