Damar Hamlin Rejoins Buffalo Bills for Sixth Season on One-Year Deal

Orchard Park, N.Y. — Damar Hamlin is staying with the Buffalo Bills after signing a one-year contract on Friday.

The 28-year-old will enter his sixth season in Buffalo after his previous deal expired.

Contract and roster role

The one-year pact keeps Hamlin in place as the team’s safety depth. He is expected to compete for a backup spot.

Coaches say he will vie for playing time as the defense undergoes coaching changes and schematic updates.

Injury history and comeback

Hamlin remains a symbol of resilience after a life-threatening cardiac arrest in January 2023. He was resuscitated on the field during a game at Cincinnati.

The following season he was eased back into action and played five games. He reached a career-high 14 starts in 2024.

Last season Hamlin moved to a backup role. He played five games before a pectoral injury in practice placed him on injured reserve.

Coaching and competition

Buffalo’s defense is in transition with Jim Leonhard as coordinator under new coach Joe Brady. Brady was promoted in January after Sean McDermott was fired.

The team also signed safeties C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Geno Stone. Both are expected to compete for the starting job opposite Cole Bishop.

Career overview

Buffalo selected Hamlin in the sixth round of the 2021 draft out of Pittsburgh. He has appeared in 53 career games with 27 starts.

Hamlin has recorded two career interceptions. The team views him as a veteran depth piece with valuable experience.

By signing his new deal, Hamlin is rejoining the Bills for his sixth season on a one-year pact. Filmogaz.com will follow updates as the offseason progresses.