The Bills continue to juggle their linebacker group
The Buffalo Bills made a pair of roster moves this past weekend, re-signing recently released linebacker Shayne Simon. The corresponding move was to waive defensive lineman David Ugwoegbu with an injury designation.
Simon, 24, signed with Buffalo this spring as an undrafted free agent. He played collegiately at Pitt, notching 48 tackles in his final NCAA season in 2023. At 6’2” and 230 pounds, he has the requisite size to hold up as a pro linebacker, but a lack of production and overall athleticism leaves him as a fringe roster player for the Bills this summer.
With linebackers Nick Morrow (core muscle/groin; day-to-day) and Edefuan Ulofoshio (ribs; length of time unspecified) dealing with injuries, and the team not wanting to put too much on Matt Milano’s plate as he works back from a tibial plateau injury that ended his 2023 season, adding depth at the position makes sense. Buffalo is set to open the preseason in just four days, as they take on the Chicago Bears on August 10.
To make room for Simon, the Bills waived defensive lineman David Ugwoegbu. The 2024 UDFA signing was a college linebacker looking to transition to an “edge” role, but he suffered a hip injury last week. He was waived with an injury designation, and after going unclaimed on waivers, he reverted to Buffalo’s Injured Reserve. That means that his 2024 season is over unless the Bills release him with an injury settlement.