The Bills lock in another one of their young stars, signing Terrel Bernard.
The Buffalo Bills have solidified their defensive core, signing linebacker and defensive team captain, Terrel Bernard, to a four-year, $50 million contract extension, with $25.2 million guaranteed, according to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo, and Kyle Brandt. This deal ensures the Bills retain one of their most promising young defenders for the foreseeable future.
The average salary places Bernard fifth in the NFL’s linebacker pecking order, but as always, we need to wait for the full numbers to come out.
Bernard, a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, quietly emerged as a key playmaker for Buffalo. After stepping into a starting role in 2023 with the departure of Termaine Edmunds, Bernard has showcased his versatility, and his ability to take command of the Bills defensive unit.
Last season — his first as team captain — Bernard totaled 104 combined tackles, one sack, and two interceptions through 13 games.
The Bills’ front office obviously believes Bernard is a foundational piece of their defense moving forward rewarding Bernard with a second contract. The extension could free up around $1.8 million in cap space for 2025.
The signing is the second extension in the in the last two weeks for Buffalo’s 2022 NFL Draft class. The Bills extended fifth-rounder Khalil Shakir in late February. Second-round pick James Cook is also publicly lobbying for a new contract and sixth-round pick Christian Benford has certainly earned one, as well.