Buffalo Bills 2021 Player Profile: Linebacker Tyler Matakevich
Tyler Matakevich returns to the Buffalo Bills to be the key part of their special teams.
When talking about the Buffalo Bills, most will mention names like Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, and Tre’Davious White as players who are some of the best at their position. However, one player that often slides under the radar when discussing the best in the NFL at what they do is linebacker Tyler Matakevich.
The Bills signed Matakevich last offseason to a two-year deal after he played four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. While his time is limited on the defensive side of the ball, he has made a name for himself on special teams and is going to be a key contributor for the Bills in 2021.
Profile
Position: Linebacker
Age: 28
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 235 pounds
Years of Experience: 6
2020 Stats
Tyler Matakevich appeared in 16 games and while he played only 7% of defensive snaps he was on the field for an impressive 76% of special teams snaps, which led the team. He finished the year with 23 total tackles and two passes defended.
Expectations for the 2021 season with the Buffalo Bills
In terms of expectations, it should be more of what the Bills saw last season from Matakevich. The linebacker should be on the field for a majority of the special teams snaps and make his impact in this part of the game.
Typically, special teams players are usually the ones on the bubble when teams are trying to cut down rosters. However, the Bills re-worked Matakevich’s contract by dropping his cap hit this year and extending him through the 2022 season.
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When looking at his impact on special teams, combined with the Bills saving only $750,000 this year but taking on $2.95 million in dead cap over the next two years, the veteran special teams player is almost guaranteed to be with the Buffalo Bills in 2021.