Buffalo Bills' Safety Wears Patriots Jersey Amid Free Agency

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Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin was recently spotted wearing a New England Patriots jersey during a public appearance, raising concerns among Bills fans about his loyalty amid his pending free agency. However, the reason behind Hamlin's choice of apparel has a heartwarming explanation - the jersey belonged to his teammate Stefon Diggs, who now plays for the Patriots, and Hamlin was likely wearing it as a show of support during a difficult time.

Why it matters

Hamlin's impending free agency is a major storyline for the Bills, who are tight against the salary cap. His future with the team is uncertain, and any perceived signs of disloyalty could further complicate contract negotiations. However, this incident appears to be a misunderstanding, and Hamlin's actions suggest he still has a strong connection to his teammates and the Bills organization.

The details

Hamlin was participating in a Fanatics event when he was seen wearing the Patriots jersey. Initially, Bills fans were outraged, as the Patriots are the team's biggest rival. But it was later revealed that the jersey belonged to Stefon Diggs, Hamlin's former teammate who now plays for the Patriots. Hamlin was likely wearing the jersey as a show of support for Diggs, who was one of the first players to visit Hamlin in the hospital after his cardiac arrest during a game against the Bengals.

• Hamlin was spotted wearing the Patriots jersey during a recent public appearance.

What’s next

The Bills will need to decide whether to re-sign Hamlin, who is projected to garner a relatively low average annual value, as they navigate a tight salary cap situation. Hamlin's future with the team could depend on how he fits into the new defensive coordinator's system.