The experienced players of the Buffalo Bills are coming back to St. John Fisher University to kick off training camp on July 23. Before making his way to Rochester, New York, Bills safety Damar Hamlin attended the 2024 ESPYs in Los Angeles.
Hamlin talked to Heavy Sports on the red carpet at the Dolby Theatre on July 11. The 26-year-old safety shared his intentions as he enters the final year of his $3.64 million rookie contract.
When asked if he has discussed staying in Buffalo with the Bills, Hamlin replied, “My focus and approach is simply to get back on the field, pick up where I left off in 2022, make plays, enjoy the game with my teammates, and have fun. That’s my mindset. Once I take care of that, contract discussions will take care of themselves,” he added.
Hamlin’s NFL career and life were nearly cut short when he suffered cardiac arrest on the field at Paycor Stadium on January 2, 2023. His remarkable recovery and return to football were inspiring, although the Bills used him sparingly.
Hamlin played in only five games last season, making a total of two tackles. During the 2022 NFL season, he played in 15 games and started 13, with 91 total tackles, 3 quarterback hits, 2 passes defensed, and 1 forced fumble.
While Hamlin mentioned 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 April 2. “When I answered that question, I answered it from the perspective of a childhood perspective.
Damar Hamlin was surprised by the separation from Stefon Diggs and has conflicting emotions about the changes in the roster
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 expressed a strong connection to the entire Bills 2022-23 roster and was not in favor of the numerous roster changes made by Buffalo in the recent offseason. The unexpected trade of close friend and wide receiver Stefon Diggs also took him by surprise.
“I didn’t anticipate any separation,” Hamlin shared with Heavy Sports regarding Diggs’ departure. “I cherished our team as a whole, not just Diggs, and I wished we could have remained together indefinitely. I was deeply attached to them during my time here. I wished everyone could have stayed together, but I understand that it’s just the way things go in this industry.”
Although farewells can be difficult, Hamlin is enthusiastic about the addition of former Kansas City Chiefs safety Mike Edwards to the team. Even though he could potentially gather insider information about the Bills’ AFC rival due to his previous team, Hamlin is not focused on that.
#BillsMafia https://t.co/AbTL1aOoy2
— Mike Edwards (@M__Edwards7) March 20, 2024
“Having Mike Edwards on the team, I’m seeking guidance from him as a veteran player who has achieved success at the highest level. He’s won two Super Bowls,” Hamlin expressed to Heavy Sports. “That’s no small feat. Instead of focusing on others, I’m focused on learning from him.”
Edwards, who sported the No. 21 jersey with the Chiefs, will continue to wear that number in Buffalo. The No. 21 jersey was previously worn by safety Jordan Poyer, who has since moved on to join the Miami Dolphins.
Hamlin Faces Competition to Earn a Roster Spot in 2024
After releasing Poyer, which resulted in the Bills saving $5.72 million in cap space, the team extended safety Taylor Rapp’s contract for three years at a total of $10.625 million.
Buffalo acquired Edwards through a one-year, $2.8 million deal in free agency and selected Cole Bishop from Utah in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft. Additionally, the Bills secured the services of Cam Lewis, who can effectively play both safety and nickel positions.
With Edwards on a short-term contract to prove himself, and Bishop being a rookie, there is an opportunity for Hamlin to earn a significant role on defense or special teams. Nonetheless, he will need to demonstrate his abilities during training camp
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