ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills have re-signed safety Damar Hamlin to a one-year contract, the team announced Friday, ensuring the inspiring player will return for the 2026 NFL season. The move comes after Hamlin’s 2025 campaign was cut short by a pectoral injury.
Hamlin, 28, has become a symbol of resilience and determination since suffering a cardiac arrest during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on January 2, 2023. His remarkable recovery and return to professional football have resonated far beyond the gridiron.
Hamlin’s Journey Back to the Field
Drafted by the Bills in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of the University of Pittsburgh, Hamlin initially carved out a role as a depth player and special teams contributor. He steadily progressed, earning a starting safety position in 2024, where he started 14 games and recorded his first two career interceptions.
Prior to his 2025 injury, Hamlin had appeared in five games, registering one tackle. The pectoral injury required surgery and sidelined him for the remainder of the season, placing him on injured reserve on October 11th. Despite the setback, the Bills clearly value Hamlin’s leadership and presence in the locker room, as well as his potential on the field.
A Safety Room in Transition
Hamlin joins a Bills safety group that has undergone changes this offseason. The team recently added C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Geno Stone in free agency, bolstering their depth and competition at the position. Buffalo also re-signed Sam Franklin Jr. To a three-year deal in February, further solidifying the safety corps. Cole Bishop also figures to be a key contributor.
The Bills’ investment in the safety position reflects a commitment to improving their pass defense. Hamlin’s familiarity with the defensive scheme and his proven ability to make plays when healthy make him a valuable asset.
More Than Just Football
Hamlin’s impact extends far beyond his on-field performance. His Chasing M’s Foundation, established in the wake of his cardiac arrest, has raised millions of dollars and become a leading advocate for CPR and AED awareness. The foundation’s work, in partnership with the Bills, the NFL, and numerous other organizations, has helped to promote heart health and save lives.
The Bills organization and Hamlin himself have been instrumental in pushing for legislation requiring CPR training in schools and increasing access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public places. This commitment to community service and advocacy has earned Hamlin widespread recognition, including the NFLPA Alan Page Community Award and the George Halas Award in 2023.
What’s Next for Hamlin and the Bills
Hamlin will participate in the Bills’ offseason training program as he continues his rehabilitation from the pectoral injury. The team will closely monitor his progress and work to ensure he is fully prepared for the upcoming season. The Bills will begin their 2026 training camp in late July, with the regular season kicking off in September.
The Bills’ schedule for the 2026 season has not yet been released, but fans can expect a challenging slate of games against AFC East rivals like the Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots, as well as interconference matchups against top teams from the NFC. Hamlin’s return provides a significant boost to the Bills’ secondary and adds an emotional dimension to the team’s pursuit of a Super Bowl championship.
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 with the Bills.
The Bills will be looking for Hamlin to regain his starting form and contribute to a defense that aims to be among the league’s best. His story continues to inspire, and his presence on the field will undoubtedly energize both his teammates and the Bills faithful.
Next Up: The Buffalo Bills will announce their full offseason schedule in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to BuffaloBills.com for the latest updates.
