How good should Bills expect Terrel Bernard to be in 2026?

The Buffalo Bills have a defensive anchor in Terrel Bernard, an inside linebacker who enters his fourth NFL season as a fully paid captain of the squad. The 27-year-old Bernard, who stands 6'1" and tips the scales at 224 lbs., has been a consistent presence on the Bills' defensive line despite a series of injury woes that have plagued him during the past two seasons.

Bernard's 2025 campaign was marred by injuries that limited his playing time. He played in only 12 games, tallying 65 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three pass breakups, one interception, and two fumble recoveries. A pulled hamstring in training camp saw him sidelined during the team's first six games, while an ankle injury suffered in Week Six kept him out of action until the end of the regular season. A calf injury in Week Seventeen precluded Bernard from participating in the Bills' postseason games.

Despite these setbacks, Bernard is in good health heading into the 2026 offseason. He underwent successful surgery to address lingering ankle issues and is fully participating in training camp. The Bills' new defensive coordinator, Jim Leonhard, brings a fresh perspective to the defense, and Bernard is expected to take on new responsibilities. Bernard's previous success under former head coach Sean McDermott suggests he could thrive in Leonhard's more aggressive system, provided he remains injury-free.

The Bills' defense, already bolstered by the addition of veteran linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, could see further improvement with Bernard's return to form. While the extent of his role and the specific pairing on defense will depend on the team's needs and roster decisions, one thing is clear: Bernard's availability and performance will be crucial for the Bills' success in 2026.