DEAL: Bills announced final year huge rookie contract.
The Buffalo Bills’ veterans will return to St. John Fisher University for the start of training camp on July 23. Before heading to Rochester, New York, Bills safety Damar Hamlin attended the 2024 ESPYs in Los Angeles.
Hamlin spoke with Heavy Sports on the red carpet at the Dolby Theatre on July 11. The 26-year-old safety discussed his plans as he enters the final year of his $3.64 million rookie contract.
When asked if he’s had discussions with the Bills about staying in Buffalo, Hamlin responded, “You know my mindset and process is just to get back on the field. Get the ball back rolling like I had in 2022. Get back to making plays, having fun with my teammates. You know, just enjoying the game.”
“That’s my mindset. Once I handle that, contract talks will handle themselves,” he added.
Hamlin’s NFL career and life nearly came to an end when he suffered cardiac arrest on the field at Paycor Stadium on January 2, 2023. His full recovery and return to football was nothing short of remarkable, but the Bills used him sparingly afterward.
Hamlin appeared in only five games last season, recording a total of two tackles. During the 2022 NFL season, Hamlin played in 15 games and made 13 starts, registering 91 total tackles, 3 quarterback hits, 2 passes defensed, and 1 forced fumble.
While Hamlin said in February that it would be “a dream” to finish his career near his hometown with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he later clarified his comments.
“I want to be a Buffalo Bill for life. That’s the team that took a chance on me,” the Bills’ 2021 sixth-rounder said on “The Ed Mallet Show” on April 2. “When I answered that question, I answered it from the perspective of a childhood dream.”
Damar Hamlin Didn’t See the ‘Breakup’ With Stefon Diggs Coming, Has Mixed Feelings on the Roster Shakeup
My brother was the first one to come see me at my lowest.. love you forever 14. 💕 https://t.co/IMg8JTYKeS
— 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐢𝐧 (@HamlinIsland) August 12, 2023
Hamlin, who feels a special kinship with everyone on the Bills’ 2022-23 roster, wasn’t a fan of the numerous roster cuts Buffalo made this offseason. The Bills trading wide receiver Stefon Diggs, with whom Hamlin shared a close friendship, was also a surprise.
“I didn’t feel like there was any breakup,” Hamlin told Heavy Sports about Diggs’ departure. “I wanted the team we had in general, not just Diggs. I wish we could’ve kept that team together forever. Just because I was so tied to them during my situation. I wanted everybody to stay together forever, but that’s just the nature of the business.”
Goodbyes are never easy, but Hamlin is excited that former Kansas City Chiefs safety Mike Edwards joined the team. While the Pittsburgh alum could try to glean secret intel about the Bills’ AFC rival, that’s not Hamlin’s focus.
#BillsMafia https://t.co/AbTL1aOoy2
— Mike Edwards (@M__Edwards7) March 20, 2024
“Having Mike Edwards on the team means I’m receiving advice from a seasoned player with top-level success. He’s won two Super Bowls,” Hamlin mentioned to Heavy Sports. “That’s serious experience. Rather than discussing others, I’m focusing on learning from him.”
Edwards, previously wearing the No. 21 jersey with the Chiefs, will continue to wear it in Buffalo. The No. 21 jersey was formerly worn by safety Jordan Poyer, who has since signed with the Miami Dolphins.
Bills News: Damar Hamlin Faces Competition to Earn a Roster Spot in 2024
After releasing Poyer, which freed up $5.72 million in cap space, the Bills re-signed safety Taylor Rapp to a three-year, $10.625 million extension.
Buffalo signed Edwards to a one-year, $2.8 million deal in free agency and selected Utah’s Cole Bishop in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft. They also extended Cam Lewis, who can play both safety and nickel.
With Edwards on a prove-it deal and Bishop being a rookie, Hamlin has a chance to secure a significant role on defense or special teams. However, he will need to prove himself during training camp.