Buffalo Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson has not lived up to the billing as a first-round pick through his first two years in the league. As a result, he now faces the possibility of getting cut or traded heading into his third year.
Lawson admits he’s seen the rumors about him, and they’ve served as a wake-up call for him to step up and perform like the talented player he is.
“Shoot, I’ve been on the trading block I feel like,” Lawson said, via Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic. “I’ve just been seeing it. Yeah, it’s been a wake-up call. I’ve been hearing trade rumors and then I kind of realized, ‘I’m a first-round pick, third-year now. It’s time to wake up.’ I know I’m a good player. I just have to put it all together and be not just a talented player but a talented player who works hard and works on his craft and skill all together.”
The 19th overall pick by the Bills in 2016, Lawson has played in just 21 games (11 starts) with six sacks through his first two games in the league.
Even if Lawson makes the Bills team this year, he’ll have his work cut out for him. With the addition of Trent Murphy in free agency, Lawson could see himself relegated to a more rotational role in the Bills pass rush.
But Lawson will still have training camp and preseason to prove himself to the team. He’s already gotten into better shape, which is a start. However, there’s still the matter of translating all of that into actual production on the field.
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