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Bills Announce Free Agency Decision On Damar Hamlin

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Mar 12, 2025 10:32 AM ET

The Bills are officially keeping safety Damar Hamlin in Buffalo.

On Wednesday morning, Buffalo announced it was re-signing Hamlin to a one-year contract extension. Hamlin, who turns 27 on March 24, was a key contributor for the Bills in 2024, starting 14 games and recording 89 tackles, five passes defensed and the first two interceptions of his career.

Hamlin also forced a critical fumble by Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson in Buffalo's AFC Divisional Round win.

We'll see if Hamlin remains in a starting role in 2025, or if he's moved to being a valued backup and special teamer. Either way, the Bills clearly feel he's a necessary piece as they continue their run as an AFC contender.

Of course, the fact Hamlin is playing at all is a miracle after he suffered cardiac arrest on the field during a Week 17 game against the Cincinnati Bengals in January 2023.

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 19: Justice Hill #43 of the Baltimore Ravens is tackled by Damar Hamlin #3 of the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter during the AFC Divisional Playoff at Highmark Stadium on January 19, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)Al Bello/Getty Images

Revived by medical personnel after several minutes of CPR, Hamlin made a startlingly quick recovery and returned to the field for five games during the 2023 season.

"I don't want to be just known as the player who lived," Hamlin told NFL.com last September. "My story is my story. It's still being written. But I want to be known for my abilities as well. I've always had big goals on and off the field. I have so much more that I want to accomplish."

Since his frightening medical situation, Hamlin has been able to raise millions of dollars through his Chasing M's Foundation and has been an advocate for CPR training and heart health around the country.

Hamlin is the third notable defensive signing the Bills have made since yesterday. On Tuesday night, they added veteran pass rusher Joey Bosa on a one-year deal, and Wednesday morning, supplemented their interior defensive line with the signing of experienced tackle Larry Ogunjobi.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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