Former Sixth-Round pick safety, Damar Hamlin is shockingly on the Buffalo Bills’ roster bubble this NFL Training Camp. According to a report, the team could move on from Hamlin following his comeback from cardiac arrest. The Bills didn’t see a lot of playing time from the PFWA’s Comeback Player of the Year but his story may attract other teams to bring him in for a visit if he becomes available. Hamlin probably won’t be the best available safety like Justin Simmons or Jamal Adams but it gives teams another option if they want to go cheap.
It seems like the Bills secondary will look different already since departing with Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, the team continues to get younger. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Hamlin is going to fight for a roster spot on the final 53-man so it’ll be interesting to see if he makes it in. However, the good news for the Pittsburgh product is that he was able to return to full health after his injury scare that was sending shockwaves throughout the league. Hyde and Poyer were atop of the depth chart the following campaign where Hamlin only logged 17 defensive snaps during that year.
It may be the lack of playing time that could be the issue of him not living up to his potential and that’s how the team is going to determine this training camp. Hamlin is best being on a roster depth chart in the rotation as a third-phase producer so he could become available for a cheap price. However, it would be logical for the Bills to consider what he could do as a starter in preseason to determine his worth. Hamlin will need a standout performance or he’s at risk of being cut.
Former Sixth-Round Pick Damar Hamlin Shockingly on Roster Bubble
Potential Destinations
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are still looking to add depth to their safety position after bringing Jamal Adams for a visit. Kyle Hamilton and Marlon Humphrey are two solid starters in their prime still but it doesn’t hurt to add some insurance policy behind them. Hamlin may be the perfect cost-effective safety to turn into a top talent like Humphrey and Hamilton. However, he isn’t going to turn around a roster or turn this defense that is already popping but he can step in crucial moments.
John Harbaugh should probably consider rotating the three safeties if he wants to see potential from all of them. This is what the Bills did wrong so it’s logical to get them in the mix.
New Orleans Saints
The scenario involving pairing Hamlin with Tyrann Mathieu would give the Saints a potential ultimate duo they need. Mathieu has the right experience to mentor Hamlin especially if he impresses at training camp this year. New Orleans is still looking for safety help so since the Saints are in salary cap hell, it would be the perfect opportunity for them to get someone like Hamlin when he’s available. Johnathan Abram and Jordan Howden aren’t ready for the spotlight yet so it would be smart to get Hamlin to rotate in a new scenery around them.
Kansas City Chiefs
Jaden Hicks plans to learn from Justin Reid and Bryan Cook since he’s starting his NFL journey with the Chiefs. However, the team’s secondary is taking a hit this upcoming year since losing L’Jarius Sneed so they need a rising talent that could provide a nice attribute to boost the team’s defense. Hamlin isn’t anything like Sneed or the safeties the Chiefs have but if he gets in the mix, he could become great. Kansas City may have to play it safe in case the secondary cracks.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Interestingly, Hamlin does want to end his career with the Steelers since he does have roots in the city. Pittsburgh has one of the best starting safeties in the league, led by Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott. However, if the mutual interest is there then the Steelers wouldn’t budge but give Hamlin an opportunity.
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