Buffalo Bills 21 pending free agents in 21 days - defensive end Shaq Lawson

Shaq Lawson has hinted at potentially retiring after what was statistically his worst season in years. He's only 29 years old but perhaps the physical nature of the game and his position are taking their toll, along with the injuries too. Lawson in years past was solid against the run but this year Pro Football Focus graded him with a 52 grade against the run and only a 48.1 overall grade.

Lawson played 314 snaps in the 2023 season. He totaled only 13 total tackles, five stops, and 16 pressures, including just one sack. If he decides to return for another season, I don't know that the Bills will extend him a contract offer. I think the Bills could do better in the long-term by saving that money and working towards rebuilding the defensive line and the defense as a whole through the 2024 NFL Draft.

Buffalo has a solid defensive foundation with players like Ed Oliver, Matt Milano, Terrel Bernard, and Christian Benford. The team simply needs to build around them with younger talent and unfortunately, I don't think that will include Lawson. According to Spotrac.com, he made $1.3 million last season and the cost to bring him back would probably be about the same or less, but I'd prefer the team put that money towards retaining A.J. Epenesa and DaQuan Jones.

If the Bills could get the 2019 version of Lawson when he had 6.5 sacks and 38 total pressures, they would bring him back, but it seems those days have long passed him at this point and his retirement just might be right around the corner.