FOX Sports Taps Bills Safety Cole Bishop as Potential 2026 Star

Fox Corporation subsidiary FOX Sports has identified Buffalo Bills defensive back Cole Bishop as a player poised for a breakout campaign in 2026. The analysis, which selects one emerging star from each AFC team, highlights Bishop’s potential impact under the team’s new defensive regime.

Bishop, entering his third NFL season, showed significant development during the 2025 season. As a first-time full-time starter, the 2024 second-round draft pick recorded 85 tackles, three interceptions, and two sacks. His performance included seven pass breakups, marking an improvement over his rookie year and suggesting an upward trajectory in his professional development.

The projection places considerable responsibility on Bishop within the Bills’ secondary. With the team transitioning to a defense led by new coordinator Jim Leonhard, Buffalo is relying on Bishop to solidify one safety position. The strategy potentially allows the franchise to focus on acquiring just one new starter rather than overhauling the entire safety unit.

FOX Sports notes that Bishop’s environment is conducive to further growth. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 206 pounds, he is described as a versatile weapon capable of lining up anywhere in the secondary. His development will be guided by Leonhard, a former NFL safety with a decade of playing experience, alongside newly acquired veteran teammates Geno Stone and C.J. Gardner-Johnson.

Shares of Fox Corporation were trading at $58.68 on Wednesday, up 1.46% from the previous close. The company has a market capitalization of approximately $24.44 billion and operates within the communication services and entertainment sectors, producing and licensing news and sports content.

What to watch

• Bills training camp reports regarding Bishop’s role in Jim Leonhard’s defensive schemes.
• Official depth chart releases confirming Bishop’s status as a starter.
• Fox Corporation’s quarterly earnings for updates on its sports programming segment.

Source: original release