The Buffalo Bills needed to address their linebacker depth because their top two players missed time with injuries last season. Terrel Bernard missed four games with a pectoral and ankle injury, while Matt Milano missed 12 with a biceps tear and a groin injury in 2024; on top of missing the final 14 regular-season and postseason contests with a tibial plateau fracture and MCL tear in 2023. Also, Dorian Williams is not a lock for the number three linebacker position, as a competition will be held throughout the offseason.
The Buffalo Bills are linked to a veteran LB
Carolina Panthers, Shaq Thompson
Aug 25, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson (7) on to the field before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Shaq Thompson is one of the top remaining free-agent linebackers available. He has some familiarity with Sean McDermott, who was the Carolina Panthers’ defensive coordinator from 2011 to 2016 and coached the 112-game starter during his first two years in the league. However, Thompson has struggled to stay healthy over the past two seasons, missing 28 games, including 15 in 2023 with a broken leg and 13 in 2024 with a torn Achilles.
Also Read: Carolina Panthers: Longest-Tenured Defender to Enter Free Agency After 10 Seasons
Buffalo Bills add 112-game starter for linebacker depth
Carolina Panthers, Shaq Thompson
Dec 24, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson (7) after stopping the Detroit Lions during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
According to Ian Rapoport, the Bills have signed Shaq Thompson to a one-year deal, reuniting with Sean McDermott in Buffalo. He found a new team after spending the first ten years of his NFL career with the Carolina Panthers. Thompson will likely compete for the third linebacker position with Dorian Williams or the next-man-up type role.
The #Bills have signed long-time #Panthers star LB Shaq Thompson to a one-year contract. pic.twitter.com/fxN4n4rw5m
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 10, 2025
Buffalo Bills, Terrel Bernard
Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard (43) against the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Terrel Bernard
Matt Milano
Shaq Thompson
Dorian Williams
Baylon Spector
Edefuan Ulofoshio
Joe Andreessen
Keonta Jenkins
Since the Buffalo Bills operate as a 4-3 defense, they will likely keep five to seven linebackers on the 53-man roster.
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