The Buffalo Bills’ experienced players are returning to St. John Fisher University to kick off training camp on July 23. Prior to making his way to Rochester, New York, Bills safety Damar Hamlin attended the 2024 ESPYs in Los Angeles.
At the Dolby Theatre on July 11, 26-year-old safety Hamlin spoke with Heavy Sports on the red carpet, sharing his approach as he enters the final year of his $3.64 million rookie contract. When asked if he’s been in talks with the Bills about staying in Buffalo, Hamlin responded, “You know my focus is to simply get back on the field, regain the momentum I had in 2022, make plays, enjoy the game with my teammates, and have fun. Once I take care of that, contract discussions will take care of themselves.”
After enduring a life-threatening cardiac arrest on the field at Paycor Stadium on January 2, 2023, Hamlin made a remarkable recovery and returned to football, although the Bills used him sparingly. Last season, he appeared in only five games and made two tackles. In the 2022 NFL season, Hamlin participated in 15 games, starting 13, and recorded 91 total tackles, 3 quarterback hits, 2 passes defensed, and 1 forced fumble.
Despite mentioning in February that it would be “a dream” to finish his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers near his hometown, Hamlin later clarified his comments, expressing his desire to remain a Buffalo Bill for life. He stated, “I want to be a Buffalo Bill for life. That’s the team that took a chance on me.” This sentiment was shared during an appearance on “The Ed Mallet Show” on April 2, where he explained that his initial response stemmed from a childhood perspective.
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 has a strong bond with all the players on the 2022-23 Bills roster, was not pleased with the numerous roster cuts made by Buffalo this offseason. He also found it surprising when the Bills traded wide receiver Stefon Diggs, with whom he shared a close friendship.
“I didn’t see that breakup coming,” Hamlin revealed to Heavy Sports regarding Diggs’ departure. “I was hoping to keep the team we had intact, not just Diggs. I wished we could have stayed together indefinitely because of the support they provided during my ordeal. I desired everyone to stick together, but I understand it’s just the way the business works.”
Saying goodbye is always tough, but Hamlin is enthusiastic about the addition of former Kansas City Chiefs safety Mike Edwards to the team. Despite being from the same alma mater as Edwards and the potential opportunity to gather insider information about the Bills’ AFC rival, that’s not where Hamlin’s focus lies.
#BillsMafia https://t.co/AbTL1aOoy2
— Mike Edwards (@M__Edwards7) March 20, 2024
“Having Mike Edwards on the team gives me the opportunity to seek guidance from a seasoned player who has achieved success at the highest level. He’s a two-time Super Bowl champion,” Hamlin shared with Heavy Sports. “That’s some serious experience right there. So, instead of gossiping about others, I’m focused on learning from him.”
Edwards, who sported the No. 21 jersey with the Chiefs, will retain that number in Buffalo. This jersey number was previously worn by safety Jordan Poyer, who has since joined the Miami Dolphins.
Bills News: Damar Hamlin Faces Competition to Earn a Roster Spot in 2024
Following the release of Poyer, which resulted in the Bills saving $5.72 million in cap space, the team extended safety Taylor Rapp’s contract for three years, worth $10.625 million.
Buffalo secured Edwards with a one-year, $2.8 million contract in free agency and drafted Cole Bishop from Utah in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft. Additionally, the Bills extended Cam Lewis, who possesses the flexibility to play as both safety and nickel.
With Edwards on a short-term deal to showcase his abilities, and Bishop being a rookie, there is an opportunity for Hamlin to carve out an important role on defense or special teams. However, he must demonstrate his skills during training camp.
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