Buffalo Bills: Final 53-man roster prediction after preseason

9 of 13

Aug 21, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Buffalo Bills middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (49) walks on the sideline during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Buffalo Bills won 41-15. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebacker (5)

Tremaine Edmunds, Matt Milano, AJ Klein, Tyler Matakevich, Andre Smith

Cut: Tyrel Dodson, Joe Giles-Harris, Marquel Lee

The Bills are set at their starting linebacker spots but there was a sneaky competition for the last couple of spots. Buffalo has usually kept six linebackers in the past but because of some increased numbers at other positions like at wide receiver and defensive end, this is where a roster spot is sacrificed.

Part of the reason Buffalo can do this is because of the strong defensive play by Tyler Matakevich and Andre Smith. Both guys are very good on special teams and integral to what Special Teams coach Heath Farwell wants to do. However, both showed a very strong presence when playing linebacker in the preseason. This especially goes for Smith who amassed 16 tackles, a TFL, and two passes defended in limited playtime.

Buffalo will have to cut Tyrel Dodson and Joe Giles-Harris who both had solid camps and could end up being claimed on waivers. However, if they do not fully expect one or both of them to be back on the practice squad. Although it is unlikely we see another massive surprise at linebacker like we did last year (Del’Shawn Phillips), Joe Giles-Harris has a chance to be on this team if Buffalo keeps six linebackers.

Home/Buffalo Bills News