Shaq Lawson Third Stint Begins with the Buffalo Bills

For Buffalo Bills fans, the name Shaq Lawson carries a sense of familiarity—one that blends nostalgia for his early days with hope for what he can bring to the team’s current defense. Shaq Lawson Third Stint Begins with the Buffalo Bills marks a full-circle moment for the defensive end, who first entered the NFL as a first-round pick of the Bills in 2016, left for other teams, and now returns to the franchise where his professional career began. This latest reunion isn’t just a sentimental move; it’s a strategic one, as the Bills look to shore up their defensive line amid a rash of injuries and a push for a deep playoff run. For Lawson, coming back to Buffalo means playing for a team he knows, a fanbase that remembers his contributions, and a chance to finally win a championship with the organization that took a chance on him over a decade ago.

Shaq Lawson Third Stint Begins with the Buffalo Bills starts with a look back at Lawson’s journey to this point, highlighting the twists and turns that led him back to Western New York. Drafted by the Bills with the 19th overall pick in 2016, Lawson spent his first four NFL seasons in Buffalo, establishing himself as a reliable rotational defensive end with a knack for stopping the run and generating occasional pass rush. In 2020, he was traded to the Miami Dolphins, then went on to play for the Houston Texans, New York Jets, and Jacksonville Jaguars over the next four years. While he showed flashes of talent in those stops—including a career-high 7.5 sacks with the Jets in 2022—Lawson never quite found the long-term stability he had in Buffalo. When the Bills reached out to him in November 2024, amid injuries to defensive ends Von Miller and Boogie Basham, the decision to return was an easy one. “Buffalo was where I started, where I learned how to be an NFL player,” Lawson said in his introductory press conference. “When they called, I didn’t hesitate. This is a place that feels like home, and I want to help this team win.”

Shaq Lawson Third Stint Begins with the Buffalo Bills next explores why the Bills were eager to bring Lawson back, especially given their current defensive needs. Entering Week 13 of the 2024 season, the Bills’ defensive line was in disarray: Miller was sidelined with a knee sprain, Basham was dealing with a shoulder injury, and the unit had seen a drop-off in both run defense and pass rush production. Lawson, a 6’3”, 265-pound defensive end with eight years of NFL experience, brings exactly what the Bills needed: a veteran presence who knows the team’s defensive scheme and can step into a rotational role immediately. Unlike a rookie or a player new to the Bills’ system, Lawson doesn’t need time to learn the playbook or adjust to the team’s culture—he already understands how defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier likes to deploy his defensive linemen, from gap assignments to pass-rush moves. “Shaq gives us something we were missing: experience and familiarity,” Frazier said. “He knows our system, he knows our players, and he can contribute right away. That’s invaluable when you’re in the middle of a playoff push.”

Shaq Lawson Third Stint Begins with the Buffalo Bills highlight how the Buffalo Bills plan to use Lawson in their defense, and what his role could mean for the team’s success down the stretch. Frazier has indicated that Lawson will start as a rotational defensive end, playing 20–25 snaps per game behind starters Greg Rousseau and AJ Epenesa. His primary focus will be on run defense, where the Bills have struggled in recent weeks—allowing an average of 135 rushing yards per game over their last three contests. Lawson’s strength at the point of attack and ability to clog running lanes should help shore up that weakness, while also providing occasional pass rush when the Bills switch to their nickel or dime packages. In practice, Lawson has already shown signs of fitting right in, working with defensive line coach Eric Washington to refine his technique and reconnect with his former teammates. “It’s like he never left,” Rousseau said of Lawson. “He’s been helping me and AJ with little tips, things he learned over the years. Having him here makes our whole group better. The Buffalo Bills’ defensive line is deeper and more experienced now, and that’s going to make a difference in the games ahead.”

Shaq Lawson Third Stint Begins with the Buffalo Bills delves into the reaction from Bills fans, who have greeted Lawson’s return with enthusiasm and optimism. For long-time fans, Lawson represents a link to the team’s rebuild years—when the Bills were still finding their footing in the AFC East—and a reminder of how far the franchise has come since then. Social media has been filled with posts from fans sharing memories of Lawson’s early days in Buffalo, from his first career sack in 2016 to his clutch tackle in a 2019 playoff win over the Houston Texans. Many fans believe that Lawson’s familiarity with the team and his hunger to win could make him a key contributor in the playoffs, especially if the Bills make a run to the Super Bowl. “I’m so excited to have Shaq back,” said Mike Petty, a Bills season-ticket holder. “He’s a hard worker, he plays with heart, and he knows what it means to be a Bill. The Buffalo Bills have a history of bringing back former players who still have something left in the tank, and I think Shaq is going to be another one of those success stories.” Local radio shows and sports blogs have also praised the move, with analysts calling it a “low-risk, high-reward” signing that could pay off big in the postseason.

Shaq Lawson Third Stint Begins with the Buffalo Bills wrap up with what the future holds for Lawson and the Bills, and why this reunion could be different from his previous stints in Buffalo. Unlike his first two tenures—when he was a young player still learning the ropes, or a journeyman looking for a fresh start—Lawson returns to the Bills as a seasoned veteran with a clear understanding of his role and a desire to win. He’s also joining a team that’s in win-now mode, with a legitimate chance to compete for a Super Bowl title—a far cry from the rebuilding teams he played for earlier in his career. For the Bills, Lawson’s return isn’t just about fixing their current defensive issues; it’s about adding a player who can contribute to the team’s culture, mentor younger players, and provide leadership in the locker room. “This is my third chance here, and I don’t want to waste it,” Lawson said. “I want to help this team win a championship, for the organization, for the fans, and for myself. This is where it all started, and I hope this is where we finish it.” Shaq Lawson Third Stint Begins with the Buffalo Bills is, at its core, a story of second (and third) chances—a player getting another shot to succeed with the team that drafted him, and a franchise getting a proven veteran to help them chase their ultimate goal. As the Bills head into the final weeks of the regular season, all eyes will be on Lawson to see if he can help push the team over the top.