Bills safety Damar Hamlin to start for first time since cardiac arrest

The Bills were eliminated from the playoffs last season by the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Round, while the Cardinals missed the playoffs with a 4-13 record.

Analyzing the Bills’ safety options

In the final year of his rookie contract, Hamlin went from a potential roster spot heading into training camp to a position where everything was open to him. Now, the Bills have rewarded both his work and his overall availability with his first start since the 2022 season. Hamlin took advantage of injuries early in training camp to rookie second-rounder Cole Bishop and veteran Mike Edwards, taking nearly every first-team rep from late July until the team’s joint practice in Pittsburgh in mid-August. Bishop and Edwards are also in their first years in the defensive scheme, with Hamlin in his fourth year, giving him a legitimate advantage. The Bills sidelined Hamlin late in the preseason with a minor hamstring injury, likely to ensure he would be ready for the start of the season.

Hamlin’s starting role isn’t a sure thing for the entire season. The safety position has been fluid all spring and summer, and with the offseason investments in Bishop and Edwards, they could be considered for the starting conversation if they start to show signs in practice. The Bills could also consider splitting snaps at some point when they feel Bishop, Edwards or both have had enough practice time to get a good understanding of their defensive scheme. McDermott ranked safety as one of the three toughest spots in their scheme for a young player to transition from college to the NFL. Additionally, the Bills have yet to close the door on a potential Micah Hyde reunion, leaving it open just a week ago. Hyde, a seven-year starter for the Bills, has openly considered retiring at the end of the 2023 season but has yet to decide on his future. Joe Buscaglia, Bills writer