Buffalo Bills Sign Free Agent Linebacker After 5-Year Absence
After a hiatus of five years, edge rusher Shane Ray has been given another chance in the NFL.
The Buffalo Bills signed him on Saturday following his participation in their rookie minicamp as a tryout player.
Ray, who will celebrate his 30th birthday next week, spent the past two seasons playing in the CFL for the Toronto Argonauts. In 2022, he recorded six sacks and two forced fumbles in 13 games.
Update: The #Bills have signed former #Broncos 1st round pick DE Shane Ray after 5-years away from the NFL.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 14, 2023
Ray's last game in the league came in 2018.
Ray said about re-joining the NFL: “Words can’t describe the emotions I’m feeling right now. So many tears, sleepless nights,… pic.twitter.com/inMzRM0xzt
Selected as the 23rd overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos, Ray made an immediate impact as a rookie, contributing four sacks in 15 games and playing a crucial role in Denver's victory in Super Bowl 50. He recorded two tackles, a forced fumble, and a quarterback hit in 20 defensive snaps during the championship game.
Ray's performance reached its peak in 2016 when he tallied eight sacks, 21 quarterback hits, and even returned a fumble for a touchdown. However, multiple wrist surgeries in the following years posed significant setbacks to his career.
Ray took to Instagram to express his emotion and gratitude for the opportunity to compete in the NFL again.
A return to the NFL: Former #Broncos first-round OLB Shane Ray, who has not played in the NFL since 2018, is making a comeback and has signed with the #Bills after trying out at their minicamp. pic.twitter.com/YTtW7zLQwy
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 14, 2023
In 2019, Ray signed with the Baltimore Ravens but failed to make the roster.
After his release, he struggled to secure another NFL contract until the Bills gave him the opportunity he had been waiting for. Now, after spending time in the CFL, Ray is ready to compete for a spot on the Bills' defense and make his long-awaited return to the NFL. Photo Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
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