Veteran offensive lineman Brandon Shell, who spent the 2022 NFL season with the Miami Dolphins, reportedly intends to retire from football.
The 31-year-old signed with the Buffalo Bills this offseason, but it doesn’t sound like he’s going to play a game for them.
Bills OL Brandon Shell was not at practice today and intends to retire, I’m told. Shell signed with the Bills in late May. He was a fifth-round pick in 2016 by the Jets and has played in 83 games, starting in 72, throughout his career.
— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) August 15, 2023
The details of Shell’s anticipated retirement are unclear, but the decision evidently makes the most sense for him and his family. After making millions in the NFL, he can walk away and focus on everything else life has to offer.
The former fifth-round pick appeared in 13 games for the Dolphins last season, making 11 starts. He helped the team reach the playoffs, where it was eliminated in the first round by the Bills.
Earlier in his career, Shell spent four seasons with the New York Jets and two with the Seattle Seahawks. He’s going to finish his career with 83 regular season appearances to his name, including 72 starts. He also saw action as a starter in one playoff game.
Although he wasn’t able to win a Super Bowl in the NFL, he did win multiple bowl games during his time at the University of South Carolina.
His departure from the Bills may create a bit of a hole on Buffalo’s depth chart, something the team could look to address before the 2023 season begins. The Dolphins, of course, figure to be battling with the Bills all season long in the race for the AFC East crown.
The Dolphins have been trying for a long time to improve their offensive line, something Shell got a good look at last season. Miami certainly has its fingers crossed that it will take a step forward in that department this season, as keeping Tua Tagovailoa healthy needs to be a top priority for the squad.
The 2023 NFL campaign will officially begin next month. Shell may not be a part of it, but one has to imagine that he’ll still keep a close eye on the league and its unfoldings throughout the season. His career will go down as a shorter one (seven seasons in total), but he certainly left his mark along the way.
