Veteran linebacker makes feelings clear on potential return to Bills

One of the most underrated defenders that the Buffalo Bills had last season was linebacker Shaq Thompson, who the Bills signed during the summer before training camp. The Bills needed quality depth and Thompson was familiar with the scheme that Sean McDermott ran with the Panthers when Thompson was in Carolina early on in his career.

Not only was Thompson a great depth addition, he ended up being the best linebacker that the Bills had last season. He was a fantastic run-stopper who had the ability to drop back into coverage and come up with some big plays when the defense desperately needed it.

When Buffalo’s season ended, Thompson did talk about how he wanted to be back in Buffalo, but that he also wanted to explore his options because he felt that he could be a starter in the NFL, per Nick Sabato. However, Thompson may have just given Bills fans hope that maybe he will be back in Bills blue for 2026.

Shaq Thompson says exactly what Bills fans want to hear

Thompson was asked on X by Draft Diamonds on whether or not the Bills had been in contact with Thompson about a potential return. The Draft Diamonds page also said “let’s run it back in Buffalo!”. Thompson reposted and said “Trying to”.

With the Bills going into a new defensive scheme under Jim Leonhard that includes going into a 3-4 defense, Buffalo needs the linebacker help. Since Thompson was the Bills best linebacker last year, it would make a ton of sense for the team to bring him back and potentially be a starter next to Terrel Bernard.

Obviously, there should be competition but if Thompson is able to pick up where he left off, the defense would be in great shape as far as competition and leadership in the middle of the defense.

Thompson had 56 total tackles as well as one sack, forced fumble, and two pass deflections. He still has solid football left to play and he would provide a little bit of continuity on the defense that would also give the Bills some flexibility at linebacker.

Even though the Bills shouldn’t ignore the possibility of drafting a linebacker early on in next month’s draft, bringing back Thompson would give them flexibility to take care of another position immediately and then drafting someone to develop in 2026 for the future.

It will be interesting to see if Thompson does come back to the Bills or not. If it was on a cheap contract, I don’t see why the Bills wouldn’t bring him back.