Defensive end Shaq Lawson’s days with the Buffalo Bills may be numbered. After two disappointing seasons in a row, the former first-round pick is in danger of possibly getting cut or traded this season, according to Mike Rodak of ESPN.
Lawson, who was the 19th overall pick in 2016, has not been able to establish himself in the defensive systems of either Rex Ryan or Sean McDermott. He has appeared in just 21 games (11 starts) over his first two years and has recorded just six sacks to date.
Rodak notes that while Lawson has made a concerted effort to get himself into the best shape possible this offseason, he’ll face stiff competition for snaps at pass rusher this year after the additions of Trent Murphy, Terrence Fede, and Oda Odighizuwa. That means he may be pushed to a rotational role if he even makes the team.
One thing Lawson has in his favor is the fact that his contract is still guaranteed for $3.23 million over the next two years. That may be enough to dissuade the Bills from outright cutting him. Rodak also floated the idea of the Bills trading Lawson, although it remains to be seen what kind of trade value he still has after two down years.
Since he’s a first-round pick, there’s still a decent chance the Bills give Lawson one last shot to prove himself. But if he is unable to make it count, the Bills may have no choice but to cut their losses and move on from the once highly-touted prospect.
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