BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills are securing their future by locking in one of their team captains, linebacker Terrel Bernard, with a four-year contract extension, as announced by the team on Friday. This agreement ensures Bernard will remain with the Bills through 2029.
According to a source who confirmed to ESPN, Bernard’s new contract is valued at $50 million, with $25.2 million guaranteed. The NFL Network initially broke the news regarding the terms of the deal.
In a move that complements the team’s long-term strategy, Bernard becomes the second player from the Bills’ 2022 draft class to secure an extended contract. Earlier this week, wide receiver Khalil Shakir also penned a four-year extension with the team.
Bills’ head coach Sean McDermott had high praises for Bernard during the NFL scouting combine. “To earn the ‘C’ on your chest so early in your career says a lot about you, especially considering he’s only in his third professional season,” McDermott remarked. However, he did note that there were moments last season where Bernard seemed to be overextending himself. That’s since improved, he mentioned.
McDermott shared that they had post-season chats, emphasizing leadership in various forms. “It starts with leading yourself, and Bernard had the right intentions. As he better understood his captain’s role, his performance rose again, particularly noticeable towards the end of the season, especially in that Baltimore game,” McDermott explained.
Last season, Bernard shared the captaincy with quarterback Josh Allen. As a former third-round pick from Baylor in the 2022 draft, Bernard stepped into the starting middle linebacker role for the Bills after Tremaine Edmunds, their 2018 first-round draft pick, left during the 2023 offseason.
Over the past two seasons, Bernard played as a starter in 30 games, recording impressive stats including 5 interceptions, 8 pass defenses, 4 fumble recoveries, 7.5 sacks, and 269 tackles.
The Bills show a clear commitment to building through the draft, developing talent, and securing their core players with long-term extensions. Looking ahead, others from the class such as running back James Cook and cornerback Christian Benford are eligible for future extensions, fitting into the team’s ongoing strategy.
