Home / Sports / Damar Hamlin Emerges as Bills' Reliable Starting Safety
Damar Hamlin Emerges as Bills' Reliable Starting Safety
15 Aug
Summary
- Damar Hamlin won starting job, maintained status all 2024 season
- 2024 2nd-round pick Cole Bishop missed multiple training camp practices
- McDermott: "Damar played quite extensively last year, so we have a lot of confidence in him"
As the Buffalo Bills prepare for the 2025 NFL season, the team's starting safety position appears to be firmly in the hands of Damar Hamlin. The former NFL Comeback Player of the Year finalist was able to maintain his first-team status throughout the 2024 season, playing a key role in the Bills' fifth consecutive AFC East division title.
Head coach Sean McDermott has emphasized the importance of strong safety play to the team's defensive success, and Hamlin has proven to be a reliable presence in the secondary. "To be a good defense, you've got to have that component of good safety play," McDermott said, noting that Hamlin and the other safeties have been "playing well" for the Bills.
In contrast, the Bills' 2024 second-round draft pick, Cole Bishop, has struggled with injuries during his young career. Bishop missed a significant portion of his rookie training camp due to a shoulder injury and has again been sidelined for more than a week this summer with a calf issue. This has allowed Hamlin to solidify his hold on the starting job, as McDermott expressed confidence in the veteran's ability to lead the Bills' defense.
As the team continues its preparations for the upcoming season, the Bills will be hoping for improved health and development from Bishop, while relying on the steady presence of Hamlin to anchor their secondary.
