After waiting for the free agency dust to settle, the Buffalo Bills are back in business. The NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported on Monday that defensive end Shaq Lawson agreed to re-sign with the Bills on a one-year deal. The veteran will get a $1.7 million salary for 2023.
While the Bills haven’t announced the deal yet, Lawson himself confirmed he would return to Buffalo on social media.
Lawson started his pro career as the Bills’ first-round pick in 2019. He spent four years with the franchise before embarking on stints with the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets. He returned to the Bills ahead of the 2022 season on a veteran’s minimum and ended up playing 15 games, including six starts.
The Bills originally brought in Lawson to serve as a situational player last season. However, the coaching staff was forced to give him a more prominent role after the team experienced a series of injuries, including that of All-Pro linebacker Von Miller. The 28-year-old finished the campaign with 31 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and nine quarterback hits.
Considering that Miller might not be ready to start the season, it made sense for the Bills to add Lawson when he didn’t sign elsewhere. They get a player they know can play and someone who has proved to be a good locker-room presence.
