Buffalo Bills have options at defensive end by bringing back Shaq Lawson

One move that seemed very likely to happen and it was only a matter of time was the Buffalo Bills re-signing Shaq Lawson. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, that deal has happened and the Bills agreed to a one-year deal with Lawson.

He returned to Buffalo last offseason and was a key part of the rotation at defensive end by playing in 15 games and starting six. Lawson had his best season since 2020, with 3.5 sacks and nine QB hits. This means the team has every player from last year’s defensive line under contract for the upcoming season with the new deal for Lawson along with re-signing Jordan Phillips earlier this month.

Shaq Lawson’s return creates plenty of options for the Buffalo Bills

While the Buffalo Bills have brought back every player this shouldn’t limit them if they believe there is a way to improve this part of the roster moving forward. If anything, the return of Shaq Lawson creates more options for the coaching staff.

The Bills have some questions presently at the position with none bigger than when Von Miller will be able to return from his knee injury. Last year after Miller suffered the injury on Thanksgiving, it was Lawson who stepped in as the starter and if the former All-Pro isn’t ready at the beginning of the year then Lawson is a logical option to start.

However, the addition of Lawson could also open the door for a potential trade of A.J. Epenesa or Boogie Basham. Both players are still young but haven’t been consistent presences on this defense. If the Buffalo Bills are able to get a few draft picks, they could consider moving them and bringing in another veteran or maybe using a draft pick on the position.

This is a move that makes a lot of sense on a number of levels and the Buffalo Bills give themselves flexibility heading into the next few weeks.