Hamlin’s remarkable NFL journey will see him stay put in Buffalo as he’s agreed to a one-year contract extension, the Bills announced Wednesday.
The 26-year-old Hamlin is entering his third season since suffering a cardiac arrest on Jan. 2, 2023, during a Buffalo Bills game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Hamlin’s 2024 season was his most productive as a pro, as the safety started 14 games for the Bills with a career-best five pass breakups and his first two career interceptions to go along with 89 tackles.
A sixth-round draft choice of Buffalo in 2021, Hamlin has played in 48 career games with 27 starts and 184 career tackles.
Hamlin was a starter by his second season before tragedy struck during a Week 17 game at Cincinnati.
Hamlin collided with Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins on a play. The impact resulted in him suffering commotio cordis, which led to Hamlin’s cardiac arrest. CPR was performed as he laid on the field. He was then transported by ambulance to the University of Cincinnati. Hamlin, who was in critical condition, remained in hospital care for more than a week before he was discharged Jan. 11, 2023.
His first season back — one in which the Bills were rife with talent and depth in the defensive backfield — saw him play in five games.
This past year was different, though, as Hamlin played a starting role in the Bills winning their fifth straight AFC East title.
Now, Hamlin will be back as Buffalo looks for a sixth consecutive division trophy and another chance at vying for an elusive Super Bowl crown.
