Pittsburgh Native, Former Pitt Star Signs Deal to Stay in Buffalo

Pittsburgh native and former Pitt star safety Damar Hamlin has signed a new deal that will keep him in Buffalo for another year.

On Tuesday, the Buffalo Bills that signed Hamlin, who was set to become an unrestricted free agent, to a one-year extension.

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We’ve agreed to terms on a one-year contract extension with @HamlinIsland: https://t.co/nQ4tTxffwa pic.twitter.com/otXQc0ooPs

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) March 12, 2025

Hamlin, 26, cemented himself as a full-time starter this past season with 14 starts on the year. He recorded 89 tackles — third-most on Buffalo — and tied for the team lead in interceptions with two. His first-career interception came on Monday Night Football in Week 3 against the Jaguars. He also added a forced fumble in the playoffs against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Central Catholic grad has faced adversity unlike any other NFL player on his way to becoming a starter. Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest in the final week of the 2022 season — his second year in the league. Prior to his medical incident, he posted 91 tackles (63 solo), 1.5 sacks and two passes defended.

After being released from the hospital, Hamlin made an incredible recovery over the following months and was cleared for team activities. He returned to game action during the 2023 season, where he appeared in five games. He was in the running for Comeback Player of the Year twice but finished as a finalist.

The 2025 season will mark Hamlin’s fifth in the league as he looks to continue his role as an everyday starter in Buffalo.

Hamlin, a former four-star recruit, spent five seasons with the Pitt Panthers, transforming into an integral part of the programs’ secondary. He returned for one final season in 2020 as he started 10 games, posted 67 tackles, seven pass breakups, 3.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions as he earned Second-Team All-ACC honors.

In 2019, he was one of the most productive defensive backs in the country as he totaled 84 tackles, 10 pass breakups, 2.5 tackles for loss and one interception. Hamlin became a full-time starter in 2018 when he started all 14 games, pacing Pitt with 90 tackles and two interceptions, while adding three tackles for loss, four pass breakups and a fumble recovery. He was an All-ACC honorable mention that season.

Across his Pitt career, Damar Hamlin compiled 290 tackles (192 solo), six interceptions, 27 passes defended, 10 tackles for loss and one fumble recovery.