Former Pitt LB Signs With Buffalo Bills

Shayne Simon did not hear his name called during the 2024 NFL Draft, but that didn’t end his dream of making it to the NFL.

Simon — a 6-foot-3, 230-pound linebacker from West Orange, N.J. — signed with the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday, NFL Trade Rumors reported. He’s the second Panther to sign as an undrafted free agent this offseason, joining A.J. Woods (Washington Commanders).

Simon attended rookie minicamp with the Bills and Philadelphia Eagles last month, paving the way for a preseason opportunity in the NFL.

He spent two seasons at Pitt, arriving as a transfer from Notre Dame before the 2022 season. He quickly emerged as one of the leaders on the defense — named a team captain last season — and was a vital cog in the defensive scheme.

Simon recorded 48 tackles (24 solo), 7.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and two pass breakups. He recorded 94 tackles (52 solo), 13 tackles for loss, seven sacks, a forced fumble, a recovery and eight pass breakups in his two seasons as a Panther.

Simon played both Mike and Money linebacker during his time in Pittsburgh, wearing the green dot and calling plays during his final season and flashed an intriguing blend of pass rushing and coverage ability from the heart of the defense. He’s a big, rangy linebacker who should be able to make an impact during OTAs.

He may be a long shot to crack the opening roster, but if he’s able to showcase his skills during the summer, he could provide much-needed depth — or crack the practice squad.

Drafted

Matt Goncalves — third round pick, Indianapolis Colts

Bub Means — fifth round pick, New Orleans Saints

M.J. Devonshire — seventh round pick, Las Vegas Raiders

Signed

A.J. Woods — Washington Commanders

John Morgan — New England Patriots

Kedon Slovis — Indianapolis Colts

Shayne Simon — Buffalo Bills

Invited

Malcolm Epps — Indianapolis Colts

Jake Kradel — Indianapolis Colts

Tyler Bentley — Miami Dolphins