Buffalo Bills: Lock Up Star Defender to a Big Contract in 2025

The Buffalo Bills found an absolute steal in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, selecting linebacker Terrel Bernard 89th overall. Since then, Bernard has developed into a talented linebacker and a pivotal part of their defense, registering 269 tackles, 15 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, five interceptions, and eight pass deflections in 46 regular season games over the past three seasons. He recorded 104 tackles, five TFLs, one sack, two interceptions, and three pass deflections in 13 regular season starts during the 2024 season.

The Buffalo Bills linebacker is eligible for an extension

Terrel Bernard enters the final year of his 4-year, $5,042,992 rookie contract. Due to the Proven Performance Escalator, which awards second to seventh-round picks for playing a significant amount of time or making a Pro Bowl selection, he is set to earn a $3,376,000 base salary along with a $3,634,248 cap hit in 2025. Finally, since he completed his third regular season in the NFL, he is eligible to negotiate and sign a contract extension this offseason, per Article 7, Section 3 (k) (i) of the CBA.

Buffalo Bills lock up star defender to a big contract in 2025

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Bills and Terrel Bernard have agreed to a big multi-year contract extension. As Rapoport points out, the deal is for 4-years and is worth $50 million with $25.2 million guaranteed. Bernard is now tied for being the sixth-highest-paid off-ball linebacker in the league.

Another #Bills star locked in: The #Bills have agreed to terms with standout LB Terrel Bernard on a 4-year, $50M contract extension, per me, @MikeGarafolo and… @KyleBrandt, our Bernard whisperer.

Bernard gets $25.2M guaranteed in a deal done by Ron Slavin of @SPORTSTARSNYC. pic.twitter.com/YOTXhX4Bgt

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 7, 2025

Here’s a look at the top five highest paid off-ball linebackers based on APY

1. Roquan Smith: $20,000,000 APY
2. Fred Warner: $19,045,000 APY
3. Tremaine Edmunds: $18,000,000 APY
4. Matt Milano: $14,165,000 APY
5. Patrick Queen: $13,666,666 APY

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