Two CU greats will have new homes this season
It’s been a busy weekend for our Buffs in the NFL. Two former CU greats signed new deals this last weekend, sending them across the country to brand new teams.
The first of which is linebacker Nate Landman, who’s inked a one-year deal with the Las Angeles Rams.
During his time in Boulder, Landman became one of the most prolific linebackers to ever come through Folsom Field. After finishing his career with the second most solo tackles in program history (209) and becoming the first ever Buff to be named to four consecutive all-conference teams, Landman signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2022.
While in Atlanta, Landman surpassed all expectations. After only playing in seven games during his rookie season in 2022, “The Hammer” was thrust into a starting job due to injuries to the LB core in 2023 and never looked back. Landman has finished in the top-five in tackles for the Falcons in the last two seasons, narrowly missing out on the Pro Bowl in his sophomore campaign.
With his rookie contract over, Landman made the choice to return back home to California. After growing up in the Bay Area, the West Coast kid is now back where he feels most comfortable. Plus, Landman now has the chance to play alongside fellow CU great Ahkello Witherspoon as Rams, who also inked a one year extension to stay in Los Angeles last week.
As Landman preps to head west to California, former CU wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. is headed east after signing a new one-year contract with the Buffaloes Bills.
At Colorado, Laviska established himself as one of the nation’s best receivers. During his three years playing at Folsom Field, Shenault finished his career as a Buffalo ranked 8th in receptions (145) and 11th in receiving yards (1900), including multiple legendary plays like his game-winning touchdown catch to beat Nebraska in Lincoln in 2018.
After declaring for the 2020 NFL Draft, Shenault with selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the 42nd overall pick. Shenault never really found his footing while with the Jags, as the team was going through a turbulent time due to a disconnect between coaching and ownership. After two years in Jacksonville, Shenault was shipped to the Carolina Panthers in a trade in 2023. Shenault arrived to Carolina at the wrong time, as poor decisions by new owner David Tepper devastated the Panthers’ roster and never gave the former Buff a chance to succeed.
After his rookie contract expired ahead of the 2024 season, Shenault signed with the far more stable Seattle Seahawks to be used as a kick return specialist, where he found some success, ripping off a 97-yard touchdown in week six against San Francisco. Seattle would cut Shenault after fumble a return in December against the Jets and he didn’t see the field for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.
Now, Shenault lands with one of the best teams in the league with Josh Allen at the helm, the reigning MVP and arguably the best quarterback in the NFL. Together with Allen, Shenault could finally get the ability to unlock the wrecking ball-like athleticism that he showcased in Boulder.
While it’s unclear if Shenault will be used as a return specialist or traditional receiver with the Bills, the former Buff will find a way to help Buffalo take their next step towards a Super Bowl win.