The Buffalo Bills' linebacking corps was decimated by injuries, as were other NFL teams, who dealt with this in 2025. Hopefully, this will turn around, and the team will stay healthy this coming season.
With many players still recovering from their injuries and getting up there in age, the Bills' brass will face some hard decisions about getting rid of some fan favorites from the Sean McDermott era. Since we don't know who will return to the core four in 2026, let's examine how the current linebackers look now.
How will the linebacking room look next season?
Bills' linebacking stats
The Bills' linebackers were part of a defensive unit that posted a +1 turnover differential, creating 20 turnovers while turning the ball over 19 times. The Bills were +3 in interceptions and -2 in fumbles, resulting in the total ratio of +1.
What could the linebackers look like in 2026?
Since the Bills hired Jim Leonhard from the Denver Broncos as their new defensive coordinator, the team will switch from the 4-3 to the 3-4 defense. Because of the scheme change, there will be new bodies and a bigger emphasis on finding the new "core four" of the Bills' linebacking group.
Dorian Williams, who had 63 total tackles, including one for a loss, will be entering 2026 on the last year of his rookie deal, which he signed back in 2023. The quick linebacker also contributes his talents on special teams.
Look for Williams to return to the roster and play well enough to earn a new contract in 2027.
Terrel Bernard recorded 65 total tackles, one interception, and seven tackles for loss during his first season since signing his 4-year, $50 million contract in March 2025. While it may have been underwhelming for the former Baylor Bear, he still has three more years left until his contract expires in 2029.
Look for Bernard to be back on the roster as an inside or middle linebacker in this 3-4 defense.
Many in the media thought Shaq Thompson would be gone this year because they viewed him only as a 4-3 linebacker, not as a 3-4 linebacker. But when Thompson played for the Carolina Panthers back in 2019, they ran a 3-4 scheme very similar to the one Leonhard will run in Buffalo.
After posting 56 total tackles, with one sack and six tackles for loss, Thompson would love to sign another contract in Buffalo to play in Leonhard's defense.
Look for him to be back on the team as a middle linebacker in the 3-4 scheme.
Joe Andreessen, or "Buffalo Joe" as he's known, has evolved in his play since becoming the famous local favorite. As an undrafted free agent, he had 35 total tackles last season and saw his production rise as the season progressed. He also brings his skills while playing on special teams.
As his contract expires at the end of the year, look for Buffalo Joe to return and try to earn a starting spot at outside linebacker in the new 3-4 scheme.
Matt Milano struggled at the beginning of 2025, only to rebound well at the end of the season. The 31-year-old had 67 total tackles, with three and a half sacks and seven tackles for loss.
Sadly, Milano will most likely be the odd man out due to his age, injuries, and time missed on the field. The biggest question is whether he could even play in a 3-4 scheme.
Look for the Bills to replace Milano by drafting University of Georgia linebacker, CJ Allen, in late April.