The Buffalo Bills are bringing back an important part of their defense.
The team announced on Friday that safety Damar Hamlin was returning on a one-year deal, giving the team some key depth on both defense and special teams. Hamlin has been with the Bills since the start of his career as a sixth-round pick in 2021, returning from a devastating on-field injury in early 2023 that saw him suffer cardiac arrest after a hard hit to the chest.
Bills Make Important Secondary Decision
Hamlin’s re-signing comes amid a sweeping change for the Bills in their secondary. The team parted ways with cornerback Dane Jackson and safety Taylor Rapp, then traded nickel cornerback Taron Johnson to the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Bills also have several other key players unsigned, including safety Jordan Poyer and cornerback Tre’Davious White.
Hamlin’s return addresses the team’s depth at safety while providing a key player on special teams. He was a starter in 2024, though was overtaken by safety Cole Bishop in 2025.
As the Bills noted in announcing Hamlin’s signing, he missed the majority of last season after suffering an injury at practice.
“Hamlin’s 2025 season was cut short due to a pectoral injury that landed him on injured reserve on Oct. 11. Prior to his injury, Hamlin appeared in five games as a role/depth player for the Bills, recording one tackle,” the team noted.
The Bills added that Hamlin has been a steady contributor on the team over the last several seasons.
“Since getting drafted by Buffalo in 2021 out of Pittsburgh, Hamlin has recorded 185 total tackles, nine passes defensed, eight tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, two interceptions, 1.5 sacks and one fumble recovery over 53 games in five seasons,” the team noted.
Bills Made Other Additions at Safety
The Bills have been busy reworking their secondary this offseason, with a pair of significant signings at safety. The team brought on veterans C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Geno Stone, both of whom could compete for starting roles.
Gardner-Johnson said he was excited to join a contending team and a roster filled with talent, hoping he can take on a significant role in 2026.
“A chance to win with a good quarterback. Josh (Allen) is phenomenal,” Gardner-Johnson said on why he signed with the Bills, via the team’s official website. “[Be] a part of a team that has a fighting chance every Sunday, and I just have to [rebuild] and [find] my identity again … go out there [and] just be you playing football with guys that [have] been playing at a high caliber. Surrounding myself with superstars.”
Gardner-Johnson also has a connection to new Bills head coach Joe Brady, who was a coach with the New Orleans Saints during the safety’s time there.
“They know me, since Sean Payton when he drafted me … (Brady) was familiar with my face and my game, and he watched my tape,” Gardner-Johnson said when asked about his fit. “Going to Buffalo and getting a formal meeting with everybody, introducing themselves face to face, was something that hit it off.”
Bills Announce Decision on Fan-Favorite Safety