The Buffalo Bills first contract extension from their 2022 draft class was wide receiver Khalil Shakir, who received a four-year deal worth just over $60 million. Well, we have another extension from the same draft class in linebacker Terrel Bernard.
According to Kyle Brandt, who had the opportunity to announce the pick for the Bills when they drafted Bernard, the Bills have extended the young linebacker to a four-year deal worth $50 million. The news was later than confirmed by Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.
My man, Terrel Bernard.
— Kyle Brandt (@KyleBrandt) March 7, 2025
Home grown. He’s not going anywhere.
💰💰💰💰 pic.twitter.com/wZOpQqDfiF
The Bills drafted Bernard in the third round of the 2022 draft and he blossomed into a star in 2023 with the departure of Tremaine Edmunds. Even with not having Matt Milano for most of the last two years, Bernard shined as the Bills’ defensive captain. In 2023, as a true first-time starter, Bernard recorded 143 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, 2 interceptions and 3 fumble recoveries.
The fact that he didn’t even make the Pro Bowl just based off of that production is unreal.
Bernard did miss some action last season due to injury, yet he still manage to reach the century mark in total tackles on a defense that was severly banged up and had a tough time stopping offenses throughout the season.
Bills continue to build within the organization with Bernard's extension
Bernard gets the extension that maybe some Bills fans were hoping Tremaine Edmunds would get, but Edmunds opted to leave Buffalo for Chicago and there is an argument to be made that Bernard is an upgrade from Edmunds. As compared to Edmunds, Bernard is more versatile and he can cover defenders down the field if necessary.
Beane gets his second member of that special draft class locked down for the next four years. Now that just leaves cornerback Christian Benford and star running back James Cook. There hasn’t been much chatter about Benford’s future in Buffalo, but Cook has been making it very clear of what he wants, which is $15 million per year.
Between both Benford and Cook, it’s a big toss up on who could get the next extension (if there even is one). It’s a big difference between a 2nd-round pick and a 6th-round pick. Cornerback is more valuable to have, but Cook is climbing as one of the best backs in football.
It will be very interesting to see how both situations with Benford and Cook play out. One has been very quiet, while the other has been very vocal. Stay tuned Bills fans.