The Buffalo Bills have waived rookie safety Wande Owens and signed cornerback Garnett Hollis, who was recently cut by the Green Bay Packers. This move comes just before the August 23 preseason finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, underscoring the team’s urgency to finalize its roster.
Bills waive rookie safety, sign undrafted CB who was cut by Packers last week

Key Takeaways:
- The Bills switched out two defensive backs before their preseason finale.
- Rookie safety Wande Owens was waived from the roster.
- Garnett Hollis, an undrafted corner previously cut by the Packers, was signed.
- The move highlights Buffalo’s focus on defensive positions.
- Timing matters: the transaction happened shortly before the August 23 Buccaneers matchup.
Introduction
The Buffalo Bills, looking to fine-tune their roster, have waived rookie safety Wande Owens and signed cornerback Garnett Hollis. The timing of this change is notable, as the Bills are gearing up for their August 23 preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Background on the Roster Move
Buffalo’s latest roster transaction underscores the NFL’s fast-paced nature during preseason. With the final preseason matchup on the horizon, teams are keen to identify the best possible combinations before the regular season begins. The Bills, in particular, chose to focus on their secondary by letting Owens go and bringing in Hollis.
Wande Owens: A Rookie Safety
Owens, whose tenure with the team ended abruptly, joined the Bills as a rookie safety hoping to secure a place in the defensive backfield. He now finds himself waved from the roster, illustrating the challenges newcomers face in proving their worth during the preseason.
Garnett Hollis: New Cornerback on the Roster
Meanwhile, Garnett Hollis earned a spot on the Bills’ roster following his recent release by the Green Bay Packers. Though an undrafted prospect, Hollis offers a fresh option for Buffalo’s secondary and brings a sense of urgency to the competition for final roster spots.
Impact on the Bills’ Defense
By trading out a rookie safety for an undrafted corner, Buffalo reshapes its defensive backfield in preparation for the showdown against Tampa Bay. This switch may also reflect the coaching staff’s desire to assess different skill sets and measure how each player fits the team’s evolving scheme.
Conclusion
As the August 23 preseason finale approaches, the Bills have made a key adjustment to their defensive roster. The move signals Buffalo’s focus on solidifying its secondary and could influence the team’s depth chart going into the regular season.