Would like to retain Shaq Lawson, Jordan Phillips
Two of Buffalo’s more impactful defensive linemen are set to hit the open market.
Both Shaq Lawson and Jordan Phillips will become free agents at the start of the new league year should extensions not be worked out. Lawson and Phillips, who recorded 6.5 and 9.5 sacks in 2019, respectively, brought a unique energy to the team’s defensive line, perhaps being as impactful in the locker room as they were on the field.
Beane is open to the idea of bringing the two linemen back, but realizes that the two have earned the right to test their value in free agency.
“I was very proud of both those guys,” Beane said.
“I’ll take Shaq first, we didn’t pick up his option, and that can go one of two ways. He could sulk, and [think] ‘I’m out of here,’ anything like that. Shaq took it in stride, and we challenged him, and told him, ‘Listen Shaq, us not picking up your option has nothing to do with us [not] wanting you here, it’s just where we are at this time. We would love for you to have a great year and sign you to a longterm.’ I was very happy with Shaq, and we’ll obviously talk to his representatives.
“I thought Jordan really stepped his game up this year on the field, but also bringing some young guys along. I thought he was good with Ed and just showing him some different things. I think Jordan’s still got room to grow. Again, he had a career year, sack production, so he’s earned the right to see what his value is on the market. We’ll just have to see where that goes.”
Shaq Lawson high-stepping to the sideline after the sack has me weak 😂😂 @Shaq_Lawson90 pic.twitter.com/nBszLwhmRE
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) November 28, 2019