Shane Ray Signs With Bills After Four-Year NFL Hiatus

The linebacker was a first-round pick in the 2015 NFL draft.

The Bills are signing former Broncos linebacker Shane Ray following a minicamp tryout, Ray announced on Instagram.

Ray was Denver’s first-round pick in the 2015 NFL draft, going 23rd overall, and he spent a total of four seasons with the team. He played in 49 games and recorded 14 sacks. His most productive season came in 2016, when he totaled eight sacks.

However, Ray fizzled out after that year. He collected just two total sacks over the next two years before becoming a free agent in 2019. He signed with the Ravens that offseason but didn’t make the team and has been out of the league since.

“Words can’t describe the emotions I’m feeling right now,” Ray wrote. “So many tears, sleepless nights, depression, everything that comes with losing the game. So many days of having nothing but hope while fighting a uphill battle. There where times that I thought maybe I should give up, but I wouldn’t be me if I folded. Even in my darkest moments I believed in myself. I believed in my preparation. I believed that I would have another opportunity even if the world didn’t believe.”

Since 2021, Ray has played for the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL, appearing in 18 games over two seasons. Last year, he had six sacks and two forced fumbles.