When linebacker Joe Andreessen first made the Buffalo Bills in 2024, it was a feel-good story. He didn’t just make the team after an impressive rookie tryout aftr going undrafted, but he ultimately made the final 53-man roster and has been a member of the roster since then. Not to mention, him being from Buffalo makes it even more special.
Andreessen has been primarily a special teams contributor. However, his work ethic and versatility have helped him get noticed from the coaching staff the last couple of seasons. Even with the changes in the coaching staff this past offseason, Andreessen still made an impact. Now, he's being rewarded with a new deal.
Bills extend Joe Andreessen beyond 2026
According to Tom Pelissero, the Bills and Andreessen agreed on a two-year extension that is worth $5 million, with $3 million being guaranteed.
Andreessen is now set to stay in his hometown beyond this season, giving him security and giving the Bills depth at linebacker, as well as on special teams., which he has thrived at since joining the league.
Extending Joe Andreessen helps Bills with LB depth moving forward
Going into this season, one of the biggest knocks on the defense that a lot of people were talking about was the depth at linebacker. Since the scheme of the defense was shifting to a 3-4, you would have thought that the Bills would prioritized bringing in more ILB depth.
However, the Bills opted to go with just Andreessen, Terrel Bernard, Dorian Williams, and rookie Kaleb Elarms-Orr. So far, this unit has been solid for the Buffalo defense and Andreessen getting his extension gives the Bills flexibility at depth at the position.
As it stands, Andreessen, Bernard, and Elarms-Orr will be under contract beyond the 2026 season. Williams is not, as he faces free agency after this season. Extending Andreessen, especially on a deal where they get him for another 2 years and only $3 million being guaranteed is a great setup for the organization. They get a player that has climbed his way up, earned the respect of his coaches and teammates, and can play in two phases of the game.
Buffalo will have to make other contract decisions as the season goes on, and going into the offseason. The Andreessen extension is the first domino to fall, and now Brandon Beane will have to decide what to do with the rest of Buffalo's pending free agents.
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