Bills Re-Sign Safety Damar Hamlin

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The Buffalo Bills have re-signed safety Damar Hamlin to a one-year deal, keeping the 25-year-old defensive back in western New York for the 2026 season. Hamlin was drafted by the Bills in the sixth round in 2021 and has been a key reserve in the secondary over the past few seasons, including starting five games in 2024 before a pectoral injury cut his 2025 campaign short.

Why it matters

Hamlin's return provides stability and depth to the Bills' defensive backfield as the team looks to build on its recent playoff appearances. The young safety's comeback from the frightening on-field cardiac incident in 2022 has also made him a inspirational figure for the Bills and their fans.

The details

Hamlin's new one-year contract with the Bills comes after he previously signed a series of one-year deals to remain in Buffalo. In 2025, Hamlin started five games before landing on injured reserve with a pectoral injury. He was able to return and play in five games during the 2023 season after suffering commotio cordis, a condition caused by a blow to the area directly over the heart, in a December 2022 game against the Bengals.

• Hamlin was drafted by the Bills in the sixth round in 2021.
• In the 2024 season, Hamlin served as a starter in the Bills' secondary.
• Hamlin went into cardiac arrest during a December 2022 game against the Bengals.
• Hamlin returned to play five games for the Bills in the 2023 season.
• The Bills have now re-signed Hamlin to a one-year deal for the 2026 season.

What’s next

Hamlin will now begin preparations for his sixth NFL season with the Bills, looking to build on his previous experience and return to a starting role in the team's secondary.