South Carolina Football: Former Gamecock gets new NFL contract

The NFL is littered with South Carolina football alums these days, and so many of the professional Gamecocks have gotten paid this offseason and signed new contracts that resulted in huge paydays. Other NFL Gamecocks have changed teams this offseason. Offensive tackle Brandon Shell is doing both as he is moving via free agency.

The former South Carolina football star has been a mainstay in NFL starting lineups for his seven seasons in the league, and the offensive tackle will be playing with a new team in 2023. Over the Memorial Day weekend, Shell and the Buffalo Bills worked to finalize a contract agreement between the two sides.

The Bills are a very good team with a very good offense. The Bills are largely satisfied with their offensive line unit, but right tackle Spencer Brown was the weak link up front for Buffalo last season. Signing Shell provides the Bills with a veteran presence to push or surpass Brown at right tackle.

If he does not win the starting job for the Bills, Shell would be a valuable piece as a swing tackle as he has played both tackle spots and has tons of experience.

Shell, who is the nephew of NFL great and Hall of Famer Art Shell, is entering his eighth season in the NFL and has started over 70 games in his professional career. While he was in college, he started 47 consecutive games for the Gamecocks.

During his South Carolina football career, Shell started for most of three seasons at right tackle and one full season at left tackle. As a pro, he has played both spots but has spent significantly more time at right tackle with the New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, and Miami Dolphins.

The details of Shell’s new contract with the Buffalo Bills are not fully known, but the contract agreement is expected to be for a one-year deal.