The Bills are closing in on training camp, and there's a lot of roster turnover to be discussed. One position group that's different than 2025 is the linebacker core. From free agency to the 2026 NFL Draft, the Bills have made changes at LB.
Name | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
Terrel Bernard | 6-1 | 224 |
Kaleb Elarms-Orr | 6-2 | 234 |
Dorian Williams | 6-1 | 228 |
Joe Andreessen | 6-1 | 240 |
Keonta Jenkins | 6-2 | 211 |
Jimmy Ciarlo | 6-2 | 230 |
It makes sense; A 3-4 defense operates with entirely new linebacker philosophy compared to the old 4-3 formation. It asks them to play a wider range of roles, and all but guarantees there's at least three of them on the field throughout a game.
With that in mind, creating a roster for a 3-4 defense means separating the linebackers who play in space from the edge rushers. The two will work interchangeably at times, but there's a notable distinction; We'll do that for you. OLB players are grouped amongst the edges, and true linebackers settled here.
Terrel Bernard
The Bills suffered at times last year with Terrel Bernard. His injuries and infrequent play led to a hole in the middle of the defense. The starting MLB spot is critical, and veteran LB Shaq Thompson had to step in and wear the green dot, calling the defense from the center of the field.
With the first year in a new defense, Terrel Bernard now has to prove he's still the captain as training camp begins. Expect him to do that. He's coming off a tough season, but his style of play and familiarity wearing the mic give him the edge.
Kaleb Elarms-Orr
There's room for as many as two more true linebackers to start in Jim Leonhard's 3-4 defense. The addition of Dee Alford as nickel cornerback implies he sees plenty of the field, but there are plenty more snaps up for grabs at LB2. In steps the rookie.
Kaleb Elarms-Orr was drafted because of his quickness and ability to influence the run game, as well as his production as a blitzer. That range and fluidity to impact the short game with consistency makes him the favourite to get the start. He enters training camp as a rookie, working his way up, but the sky is the limit. Expect him to enter the mix very early in camp.
Dorian Williams
When Matt Milano's injury issues started to become a major problem, Dorian Williams stepped up as the weak side linebacker to provide invaluable depth, and consistency as a tackler. There is no world in which he doesn't earn favor with his new defensive coordinator.
His security is his calling card, and his veteran status gives him a little more trust early in training camp. Elarms-Orr is a great young player, but Dorian Williams gets first nod until the rookie proves it.
Joe Andreessen
Whilst history gives the Bills' old offensive players a leash, there's no familiarity to lean on for the defenders. Still, Joe Andreessen has won a roster spot for two seasons as an undrafted free agent. With a new DC, the hometown kid has a chance to do it again.
Keonta Jenkins
The bottom of the group is going to be a battle. Both Keonta Jenkins and Jimmy Ciarlo are decent contenders, but either or neither of them could make the team. Keonta Jenkins gets the minor edge of the two, due largely to his actual game experience. It's not much, but as camp begins, it gets Jenkins on the field first for those critical first impressions.
Cut: Jimmy Ciarlo
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