One uncommon trait can keep unexpected Bills player on the roster
This time of the year, it's all about figuring out a few things in order to build your 53-man roster. The vast majority of times, teams take on this tough assignment based on athleticism, football traits, and pretty much what's ever related to on-field performance. However, one Buffalo Bills veteran might make it into the […]
This time of the year, it's all about figuring out a few things in order to build your 53-man roster. The vast majority of times, teams take on this tough assignment based on athleticism, football traits, and pretty much what's ever related to on-field performance.
However, one Buffalo Bills veteran might make it into the roster for a whole different reason. According to The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia, edge rusher Shaq Lawson has a shot at making the team by his ability to keep things light during tough times.
Here's the full quote from Buscaglia's article on the Bills' defense:
"Shaq Lawson hasn’t shown as much off the edge as Epenesa or Basham and looks like he’s settling in as the fifth defensive end. However, his locker room presence cannot be understated. He keeps things light during tough times and can be a connector. McDermott believes strongly in having those “glue guys” on his team. Even in a small game-day or inactive role, that could be worth a lot to the Bills to keep Lawson on the 53-man roster."
I'll be the first to say I absolutely love that. Especially for a team with Super Bowl aspirations like Buffalo, that's a legit reason to keep somebody on the team. The road ahead will present an avalanche of adversities, both on the field and off of it.
If Bills HC Sean McDermott believes a player like Shaq can keep the team together in those tough times, keeping him over somebody else on the roster bubble is more than justified. Although we're discussing an intangible trait, having that be the tie-breaker is smart team-building.
Keep in mind, that Lawson was loud about wanting to return to Buffalo after his release from the New York Jets.*
*Note: Lawson has played in three out of four AFC East teams. A quick Google search makes it seem like only one player has played for every team in a division. QB JT O'Sullivan who played in 11 NFL teams and is now a great teacher on his YouTube channel, the QB School. Perhaps there's more, but that's the only example I could find.
Now granted, it's not like Lawson is a bad player either. He's obviously good enough to play in the league. No amount of positive energy would keep you on an NFL roster if you couldn't play football.
The Bills' top four edge rushers appear to be locked in the following way:
- Von Miller
- Greg Rousseau
- AJ Epenesa
- Boogie Basham
Considering the Bills heavily rotate their defensive linemen, carrying five edge rushers is more than reasonable. Shaq Lawson has a legit shot at that job and his personality is a huge reason why.
Featured image via Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
