EX Bills first-round draft pick begs to return to the Bills after years of bouncing around, accepting a pay cut just to wear the Buffalo uniform one more time

Buffalo, New York — November 25, 2025

The Buffalo Bills took a meaningful step toward reinforcing their defensive depth on Monday, bringing in a familiar face for a workout that immediately drew the attention of fans across Western New York. Veteran defensive end Shaq Lawson, a former first-round pick of the Bills in 2016, returned to Orchard Park for what could become his third stint with the franchise. Now 31, Lawson has logged 110 career games, 38 starts, and 26 sacks across nine NFL seasons — production that reflects durability, physicality and a relentless motor that once made him a foundational piece of Buffalo’s defensive front.

For the Bills, the timing makes sense. At 7–4 and locked in a tight AFC playoff race, Buffalo continues to search for proven pass-rush help after multiple injuries and inconsistent depth along the edges. The defense has flashed high-end potential, but a punishing stretch of upcoming matchups — including Pittsburgh this Sunday — has highlighted the need for rotational veterans who understand the system and can contribute immediately. Lawson fits that mold perfectly. His best football was played under this organization, and his familiarity with the scheme gives him a realistic path to carving out a role quickly.

That context is what made Monday’s tryout noteworthy. Lawson was the only player to work out for the Bills at the team facility, signaling there is genuine interest from the front office. It also marks the latest chapter in what has become one of the more unconventional Buffalo careers in recent memory. After his initial four-year run with the Bills, Lawson bounced from Miami to the Jets to Carolina before returning to Buffalo once more. Now he stands on the doorstep of yet another reunion — one that feels as symbolic as it is practical.

Lawson didn’t hide what the moment meant to him. His voice carried the weight of both nostalgia and determination when he spoke briefly after the session.

“Walking back into this building felt like coming home,” Lawson said. “I love Buffalo, and I love everything this organization represents. If they want me back, I’m ready to do whatever it takes — any role, any salary — just for the chance to wear that blue and white again.”

Whether the Bills ultimately sign Lawson remains to be seen, but one thing is clear — both sides understand what this partnership has meant and what it still could mean. For a team fighting to stay in the playoff picture and a veteran hungry for one more opportunity at the place where it all started, Monday’s workout wasn’t just procedural. It was personal. And as Buffalo prepares for a crucial late-season stretch, the possibility of Lawson wearing red, white and blue again feels more real — and more meaningful — than ever.