Bills safety Damar Hamlin put pen to paper to re-sign with the Bills on Thursday afternoon. Hamlin was one of Buffalo's full-time starters at safety, starting 14 games in 2024.
Hamlin views Buffalo as home.
"It feels amazing to be back," Hamlin said. "This is home. This is all I know as a pro. I'm connected to this place on a totally different level, so this is the place I want to be. This is where I would want to spend my whole career if I can."
Hamlin earned a starting role on Buffalo's defense this year and proved to be an impact player. He finished third on the team in total tackles (89) and tied for the team lead in interceptions (2). Hamlin's first career interception came on Monday Night Football in Week 3 against the Jaguars.
He also forced a huge fumble on Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson that led to a Bills touchdown in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
Starting the 2024 season less than two years out from his cardiac arrest episode that he suffered in 2023, Hamlin was proud of what he accomplished and wants to build off that this year.
"Last year I feel like I was getting the training wheels off of myself in a way," Hamlin explained. "Just coming back from literally dying on the field to playing again in a significant role, a starting role, playing a full season again for the first time, just feeling myself out...I feel like I had a lot of success on the field. So to see where I can take it from knowing that's where I was within myself..and develop myself into what I want to become this upcoming year, I'm excited for that journey."
The safety said free agency was a fun process because multiple teams showed interest. At the end, Hamlin opted to go with the team who trusted him most.
"There was a lot of interest from a few teams, which I was greatly appreciative of," Hamlin said. "But ultimately coming back here, and staying where I'm comfortable. I know the system, I've been here. I can be a leader on this team, and we have the chance to win."
Hamlin enters his fifth NFL season with two seasons as a full-time starter under his belt. The safety has racked up two interceptions, 184 tackles, nine passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 48 games. Hamlin credits defensive coordinator Bobby Babich and safeties coach Joe Danna for helping him grow as a starter in 2024.
"Bobby Babich is one of the biggest reasons I'm in the room," Hamlin said. "He was the safeties coach who ultimately said he wanted to choose me my rookie year. I'm super thankful for him and to have him as a DC and to truly know me for who I am as a football player...the relationship I've built with Joe over the past two seasons is an extreme good one. Joe's a true leader in the room. He keeps it real, he keeps it honest, he keeps it solid...he puts a lot of trust in the players and he believes in his guys."
Hamlin and his family are happy to land back in Buffalo and are excited for what's to come.
"They just want the best for their son," Hamlin shared. "I appreciate that. They're in my corner no matter what. They walked this whole journey down with me from start to finish. I owe them everything in my life for real. I'm super excited we're building a home back at home in Pittsburgh for them right now...life's good for the Hamlin family, I'm not going to lie."
