What Bills most recent big extension means for free agency

The Buffalo Bills came to terms on another massive extension, which sets them up for a successful run in free agency.

The Buffalo Bills celebrate Terrel Bernard, center, interception late in the fourth quarter during second-half action against the Kansas City Chiefs in Orchard Park | Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Buffalo Bills locked up another young star. Early Friday, it was announced they came to terms with linebacker Terrel Bernard on a new four-year, $50 million extension. In his new contract, Bernard will receive $25.2 million guaranteed.

A third-round pick out of Baylor in 2022, Bernard moved into the starting lineup in his second season in the league. He broke out with 143 tackles and 6.5 sacks. Over three seasons, he now has 269 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and five interceptions.

This move keeps the 25-year-old in Buffalo through the 2029 season, while making him the fifth highest-paid linebacker in the NFL.

The signing won't have much impact on the team's salary cap this season. While space is often created when a player signs a deal — since the money can be pushed to future years — Bernard wasn't on a restrictive contract.

Entering the 2025 season, he was set to count for $3.6 million against the cap. Even if that number changes, it won't get them under the limit. That's where potential releases, such as Von Miller, will come in.

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

What the move does accomplish is giving the Bills a clear plan heading into free agency.

RELATED: NFL Draft hopeful offers surprising take on Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen

Locking up Bernard — as well as Khalil Shakir earlier this offseason — means the Bills should be comfortable at linebacker and receiver. They can still add talent to either position but for the foreseeable future, they're not in dire straits. They could even decide to ignore those spots in free agency and use the NFL Draft to build depth.

It also allows them to turn their attention to their greatest need, which is at defensive tackle. Buffalo needs a 1-tech to start alongside Ed Oliver. Again, the draft could be an option, but there are players such as Bobby Brown, Johnathan Hankins, and Benito Jones available in free agency.

Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard against the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

—  Enjoy free coverage of the Bills from Buffalo Bills on SI  —

More Buffalo Bills News:

• Is James Cook's latest post a veiled farewell to Bills after Barkley's $41 million deal?

• Bills' RB James Cook tells legendary tight end 'I don't want to feel like a cancer'

• HOF QB Dan Marino's blunt words on Josh Allen and Bills ever getting to Super Bowl

• Bills Pro Bowl RB James Cook hints at range of salary he expects in contract extension

• NFL MVP and Super Bowl champ's choice words when asked about future of Bills' Josh Allen

• Josh Allen's Super Bowl commercial featuring University of Wyoming is a must-see