One of the most impactful position battles of the Buffalo Bills' offseason belongs to the linebacker spot. As the team changes their defensive philosophy from a 4-3 to a 3-4, this position becomes more important than ever. We focus on the traditional LBs, as opposed to the OLB/DE role.
The Bills' open linebacker position
The 'Mike' linebacker is still Terrel Bernard, but to either side of him there's room for more. One true starting spot is truly available, and plenty of space for the runner up to take significant reps. There are likely two winners in this race- A first and second place.
Training camp battle candidates
Dorian Williams
The starting LB spot next to Terrel Bernard was Dorian Williams' to lose this offseason. Sadly, an injury has made this into true training camp battle. Though head coach Joe Brady stated that Williams should be ready by the beginning of camp, Williams' position is no longer certain.
Williams had played admirably in the absence of the Bills' former starters over the past few seasons, and fans are comfortable with him on the field. Still, if the Bills wish to be truly elite, they have to explore their options.
Kaleb Elarms-Orr
Enter Kaleb Elarms-Orr. When the Buffalo Bills drafted the LB in the 4th round of the 2026 NFL Draft, it was with a higher ceiling in mind. Elarms-Orr offers a great deal, and the only thing between him and a starting job this season is his own readiness.
Where Dorian Williams offers consistency and a solid floor, the Bills turn to Kaleb Elarms-Orr for a future;. They turn to him for potential to be better. Training camp offers that opportunity with this battle.
Joe Andreessen
'Buffalo Joe', as he's lovingly known, has carved out a legitimate job for himself in two seasons after joining the side as un undrafted free agent from the local University of Buffalo. He's a Bull, turned Bill, and an avid special teamer who saw his role grow with his effort.
He neither the expected starter nor runner-up, but Joe Andreessen will have a role. He competes to determine the size of that role, and if he can topple those ahead of him in training camp.
Keonta Jenkins
Keonta Jenkins is the distant fourth man in the Bills LB training camp battle. He played well in his limited time on the active roster last season, and has the chance to do more this season, but remains the odd man out.
The shift in defensive philosophy allows him the opportunity to prove himself worthy of more. He will jump on that chance.
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