ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills have finalized a deal to extend the contract of their starting middle linebacker, Terrel Bernard, for four more years. This agreement, which secures Bernard with the team until the 2029 season, is valued at up to $50 million, with a guaranteed sum of $25.2 million.
This announcement was made by the team, although the financial specifics of the contract came from a separate source who wished to remain unnamed due to the confidentiality of such contract details. As Bernard continues on his current rookie contract, this extension highlights the team’s commitment to their defensive core.
Drafted in 2022 from Baylor in the third round, the 25-year-old stood out early, and quickly secured a starting role in his sophomore season. Notably, last year, he joined quarterback Josh Allen as one of the team’s only two captains, signaling his leadership both on and off the field.
In Buffalo’s defensive scheme, which employs two linebackers, Bernard has thrived alongside veteran Matt Milano. Despite initial skepticism about his size at 6-foot-1 and 224 pounds, Bernard has proven his critics wrong. Last season saw him finish second in team tackles, recording 104, including five for losses, alongside a sack, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery over 13 games. His performance in 2023 further solidified his pivotal role, as he led the team with 143 tackles, 6.5 sacks, three interceptions, and three fumble recoveries.
Coach Sean McDermott praised Bernard in January, stating, “It’s not always just the talent that draws us to people. It’s the total package of who they are as people and then what they can become as players and people as well.” McDermott emphasized Bernard’s inherent leadership qualities, marking him as a key figure in the team’s future.
Bernard is the second player from the Bills’ 2022 draft class to secure an extension, joining Khalil Shakir who renewed his contract with a four-year agreement signed two weeks prior. General Manager Brandon Beane has prioritized extending contracts with the team’s younger talents, especially following last year’s decision to release several veteran players to manage salary cap constraints.
As the Bills carve out their financial landscape for the future, they still face challenges with their projected salary cap. While the team is anticipated to have substantial cap space by 2026, immediate adjustments are necessary, with the team being approximately $8.5 million over the current cap limit following punter Sam Martin’s release. More moves are expected as the NFL’s new business year approaches.
