Buffalo Bills’ defensive end Shaq Lawson isn’t exactly having a great time in the NFL. Former first-round pick in the 2016 NFL draft didn’t produce well in his first two seasons in the league, and there are rumors circling around that Bills’ are ready to give up on him.
Lawson himself also heard that his team might be looking to trade him and has decided not to let that happen. Talking with The Athletic’s Matthew Fairburn on Thursday, the 24-year-old said that the trade rumors were a “wake-up call” for him.
“Shoot, I’ve been on the trading block I feel like,” –said Lawson. “I’ve just been seeing it. Yeah, it’s been a wake-up call. I’ve been hearing trade rumors and then I kind of realized, ‘I’m a first-round pick, third year now. It’s time to wake up.’ I know I’m a good player. I just have to put it all together and be not just a talented player but a talented player who works hard and works on his craft and skill altogether.“
Buffalo Bills selected Shaq Lawson with the 19th overall pick in 2016, and no one would blame them if they were to regret that decision now. Lawson played in 21 games for Bills in two years and managed only six sacks and 24 tackles. These slim numbers are not exactly making the team’s front office happy, and they are beginning to show their dissatisfaction.
Bill’s general manager Brandon Beane recently openly said that Lawson didn’t live up to the expectations.
“Shaq is a guy that this franchise put a lot of stock in with a first-round pick [in 2016],” – said Beane. “It’s no secret he hasn’t lived up to that. Sean [McDermott] and I are very frank. We try not to be rude, but we don’t beat around the bush. We laid out the expectations for Shaq.”
Beane also already started thinking about life post-Shaq Lawson, signing Trent Murphy as his replacement in the offseason.
