Bills Linebacker Depth Raises Concerns Before Camp

The Bills enter training camp at St. John Fisher University facing a seventh question in a ten‑part series about the roster. General manager Brandon Beane passed on the first round of the 2026 draft and settled for the 35th overall pick, a second‑round selection. With linebackers Matt Milano and Shaq Thompson departing, Beane could have chosen Jacob Rodriguez, Josiah Trotter, Jake Golday, CJ Allen or Anthony Hill, all of whom were drafted later. Instead he took outside linebacker T.J. Parker and later added Kaleb Elights‑Orr in the fourth round to compete for the inside spots. The moves left the Bills with a thin pool of experienced options at linebacker.

Depth Chart Concerns Surface

Terrel Bernard returns after an injury‑plagued 2025, while Dorian Williams is heading into the final year of his rookie deal and missed OTAs with an undisclosed ailment. Both have logged limited starts; Williams, for instance, has only 22 in six seasons and is still looking for consistency. Their backups—Joe Andreessen, Keonta Jenkins, Demetrius Flannigan‑Fowles and Kaleb Elights‑Orr—combine for just 13 regular‑season snaps, with Flannigan‑Fowles accounting for ten of those. The lack of depth could become a problem if either veteran suffers another setback.

Even if Bernard regains his 2023 form, the Bills still need reliable depth. The switch to Jim Leonhard’s 3‑4 base defense might suit Bernard’s play style, but the group as a whole still appears fragile. Elarms‑Orr, a fifth‑round pick, could develop into a reliable backup, yet his rookie season remains unproven. The front office may need to address the thin roster before the season opener.

How the New Defense Fits Bernard

Bernard believes the man‑to‑man coverage responsibilities and increased blitz opportunities align with his strengths. He enjoyed similar duties in 2023 and expects the new system to highlight his athleticism. Leonhard praised Bernard’s professionalism during the offseason program, noting his focus and leadership on the field. “He kills that” when it comes to communication between series, according to the defensive coordinator. A healthy Bernard could become the anchor the Bills need at inside linebacker.

Williams, meanwhile, missed a significant portion of OTAs and was seen on crutches. Leonhard has studied his film and expects him to make a major impact once he finds his footing. The coach wants Williams to feel comfortable quickly, playing with violence and physicality. “Fresh start, new defense, putting him in some different positions” could unlock his versatility. The team’s goal is to throw many ideas at him during camp to force communication.

Potential Late‑Season Signings

Depending on camp evaluations, Beane may reach out to former Bills linebacker Shaq Thompson, a veteran who filled a key role when Bernard went down last year. A reunion with Matt Milano seems less likely, given his performance regression in 2025. If both Bernard and Williams falter, bringing in Thompson could provide immediate insurance. However, the Bills could also stick with their current group if Bernard rebounds and Elarms‑Orr flashes the TCU pedigree that preceded him. The decision will hinge on health reports and how quickly the new defense clicks.

The linebacker situation remains the most pressing question heading into the season. The front office’s draft choices have left the unit with limited experience and depth. Unless one of the current players steps up dramatically, the Bills may need to add a veteran before Week 1 to shore up the position. The outcome of training camp will determine whether the thin lineup becomes a liability or a manageable risk.