Buffalo Rumblings
In a positional group that was once a concern, the Bills suddenly have quite a few good options
Heading into the 2024 NFL season, there was some consternation surrounding the Buffalo Bills’ defense. Aside from having lost notable defensive leaders like Tre’Davious White, Micah Hyde, and Jordan Poyer, the team would also be without one of its best linebackers to start the season.
Speaking of linebackers, the group was ravaged by injuries at the end of the 2023 season, which exposed issues in the team’s depth that contributed to their elimination at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs. General manager Brandon Beane clearly recognized that the team needed to improve at the linebacker level of the defense, and even though the Bills primarily play just two linebackers, Beane did work to add depth to the group.
Entering the offseason following another disappointing loss at the hands of the Chiefs in the playoffs, it seems that Buffalo has at least built a linebacker corps it can rely upon to perform. What was once a weakness of the defense — at least the depth pieces — no longer seems to be that way, as the group is one of the stronger positional units on the roster.
Continuing our look at the state of the Buffalo Bills roster, today we discuss the linebackers.
Contract Status for 2025: Signed; second year of three-year rookie contract worth $2,832,500 overall ($960,833 cap hit; $1,667 dead-cap charge if released; .35% of total team cap
Age: 24 (25 on 2/7/2025)
Playing Time: 13 games (1 start), 246 special teams snaps (55.16% of team total), 114 defensive snaps (10.33% of team total)
Key Statistics: 26 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 QB hit
“Buffalo Joe” was the feel-good story of the year for the Bills, which is saying something in a season full of good vibes from start to finish. He proved to be more than just a good story, though, as Andreessen quickly asserted himself as a strong special teams contributor, tying for the team lead in special teams tackles with eight.
He played well enough on defense in limited appearances to provide some hope that he can be a good reserve in the future, as well. The Bills have three guys ahead of him who should keep him off the field on defense, but if it came down to it, Andreessen would be fine in a pinch.
Contract Status for 2025: Signed; final year of four-year rookie contract worth $5,042,992 overall ($3,442,248 cap hit; $228,248 dead-cap hit if released; 1.25% of total team cap
Age: 25 (26 on 5/7/2025)
Playing Time: 13 games (13 starts), 749 defensive snaps (67.84% of team total), 56 special teams snaps (12.56% of team total)
Key Statistics: 104 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 3 QB hits, 1 sack, 2 INTs, 3 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery
Bernard dealt with a litany of injuries this past season. He hurt his ankle in...
