The Buffalo Bills have brought back safety Damar Hamlin on a one-year deal, the team announced Friday.
Hamlin, 28, was limited to five games during the 2025 season after suffering a pectoral injury in practice that required surgery and sidelined him for the remainder of the year. He rejoins a revamped safety group that now includes offseason additions C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Geno Stone.
Originally selected in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Hamlin carved out an early role on special teams before stepping into defensive opportunities. He saw increased playing time in 2022 due to injuries in the secondary, including during the January 2, 2023 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, when he suffered cardiac arrest on the field and was revived.
Following his recovery, Hamlin was cleared to return and resumed his career in 2023 as a depth option. He took on a larger role in 2024, earning a starting job and appearing in 14 games while recording the first two interceptions of his NFL career.
His return adds experience and depth to a Bills defense undergoing changes in the secondary heading into the upcoming season.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
