AFC Contender the Buffalo Bills may move on from safety Damar Hamlin in a potentially shocking trade that may happen before the 2024 NFL season. According to a source, after losing Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, there could be another change to the Bills’ secondary. There are rumors that Hamlin may be fighting for a roster spot when the 53-man is on lock before the season begins. However, the safety hasn’t been productive since his return from a scary injury that almost left him lifeless.
The trade would be more shocking on paper considering that the secondary will look different next season. However, the absence of Hamlin’s playing time might have been part of his recovery from his cardiac arrest the previous season. This could be the case but the Bills have been actively making moves to find replacements for their previous safeties. It could signal that Hamlin’s time may be ticking in Buffalo so it seems like another uphill battle for the Pittsburgh product.
Hamlin took a step back in 2023 after appearing in five games with the Bills. The ongoing injuries of the Bills’ secondary might have been a sign that they weren’t going to risk another scary injury for Hamlin. However, the starting jobs may be “up in the air” but it’s looking like Taylor Rapp and second-round draft pick Cole Bishop will be starters. It shouldn’t be any surprise if the team gives them including Mike Edwards and Cam Lewis a chance with the top secondary unit.
It would be interesting what approach the Bills will take for their secondary group. They’re getting a lot of praise this year for adding the young safety, Bishop in this year’s draft. Hamlin could find a new NFL home soon.
AFC Contender Buffalo Bills May Move on from Damar Hamlin in Potential Shocking Trade
The Safety Wants to End His Career With the Pittsburgh Steelers
The trade sounds fitting knowing that Hamlin doesn’t have Buffalo in his long-term plan. Also, the Bills may continue to go young and pick out homegrown players to adjust to their defense. One interesting thing they could consider is attempting to sign free safety and former Denver Bronco Justin Simmons. This free agent signing could be the missing piece to the Bills’ secondary after drafting some young pieces to develop.
The Broncos released the veteran safety to clear cap space but there are no plans to bring him back. However, the Hamlin situation continues to be an interesting one since he’s rumored to be on the roster bubble this summer. The Pittsburgh product said it would be a dream to end his career with the Steelers. He’s entering his fourth and final season on his rookie contract next year so he’ll be free to sign anywhere he wants.
Hamlin’s deep connection and roots with Pittsburgh didn’t make his hesitant that he want to make a return one day. He was the favorite to win Comeback Player of the Year and now he could be a favorite for teams to request a trade this season.
Team Trade Fits for Hamlin
The Pittsburgh product could stay in the AFC to team with Marlon Humphrey in the secondary for the Baltimore Ravens. They have a complete roster so adding Hamlin to get him some playing time could reveal what he could contribute on the field. However, the Bills have been generous with the Chiefs in this year’s draft so they could trade Hamlin there.
The Chiefs traded L’Jarius Sneed to the Titans this free agency so they need a new face to develop in their secondary. Hamlin isn’t the final answer but it’s a step to bolstering the defense. One final fit that makes sense is the New Orleans Saints. Tyrann Mathieu could help Hamlin boost his career by pairing with him to shut down the NFC.
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