Damar Hamlin may be one of the more polarizing Bills free agents in recent memory. A 2021 sixth-round draft pick, he has played in 48 games, starting 27 during the regular season. He managed to help fill the secondary void after the departures of both Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde last year.
While this is a great progression from a Day 3 selection, Hamlin’s profile is raised due to his collapse on the field from commotio cordis during the 2022 season. He was able to return to play the following year playing mostly special teams and then securing the starting safety role this year.
Now that his rookie contract is completed, the Bills need to make a decision on his future. One of the tough decisions every year during free agency is who to bring back and who to let walk. The discussion below looks at Damar Hamlin’s injury history and market value heading into the 2025 season.
Injury History
For injuries dating back to high school and college, click here.
NFL
2021 Buffalo Bills
No publicly reported injuries.
2022 Bills
Neck, Week 11, missed 0 games.
Illness, Week 13, missed 0 games.
Commotio Cordis, Week 16, missed 3 games.
2023 Bills
Illness, Week 9, missed 0 games.
Right shoulder injury, Week 17, missed 1 game.
2024 Bills
Ankle, Week 7, missed 0 games.
Back/Ribs, Week 14, missed 3 games.
Injury Concerns
Looking at Hamlin as a whole, he has been relatively healthy when it comes to overall injuries. He gets banged up like everyone else and the only injury he missed time for was the back/ribs injury he suffered this past season. The extended missed time was more likely due to the fact that the Bills had the division locked up which allowed him to actually heal. In addition, the right shoulder and neck issues were one off injuries.
The only other issue he has missed time for was the commotio cordis which has been covered extensively. This was a one in a million event that won’t necessarily ever happen again ever, but highly unlikely to happen to Hamlin. It’s part of his medical history but shouldn’t be a knock against him.
Overall, there aren’t many injury concerns, in fact he had more medical issues coming out of college than he has had in the NFL.
Drawbacks
The only drawbacks that I see with Hamlin is his skill set. His injury history is not a concern moving forward whether the Bills re-sign him or if another team wants to sign him. He has proven that he can start in the league and be available nearly every week.
Market Value
According to Spotrac, Hamlin’s predicted value is at $3.1 million APY which is just less than what Taylor Rapp is earning per year. Over the Cap has Hamlin at $4.4 million APY. Either price would not break the bank by any means and still make the Bills safety room one of the cheaper in the league.
Stay or Leave
The Bills drafted Cole Bishop in the second round last year for a reason. There was a significant void following the departure of both Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer with Taylor Rapp filling in one of those spots. Hamlin did an admiral job playing all season but his skill set may be maxed out. Add in that Cole Bishop was injured at the beginning of training camp which may have allowed Hamlin to pull ahead.
Can Hamlin hold off Bishop again or does that not matter? Does the coaching staff want Bishop to start regardless? The injuries or money to re-sign Hamlin isn’t the issue, it may come down to playing time and his abilities. If he signs and then loses his starting spot to Bishop, then he may be stuck. He may be best served to test the open market to try and maximize his second contract. I don’t see how he stays unless the Bills tell him he’s going to start.
Final Thoughts
Hamlin has been a great story and a valued member of the secondary especially when Micah Hyde went out. I thought his play was strong this year but with Cole Bishop waiting in the wings, Hamlin may want to find another opportunity where he can make more money and guarantee playing time.
Top Photo Credit: Timothy Ludwig/Getty Images
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