Weeks don’t get much better than the one Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard is having. Just days after marrying his longtime partner, Taylor Timmons, Bernard signed a new contract with the Bills — securing his family’s financial future in the process.
Bills Hand Terrel Bernard Four-Year, $50 Million Extension
After being drafted by the Bills with the 89th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Bernard started just one of his 16 appearances as a rookie.
That changed in 2023, and since then, he has started all 30 games he’s suit up for over the past two seasons. Five interceptions, 7.5 sacks, and 15 tackles for loss during that stretch have solidified Bernard as one of Buffalo’s key defensive playmakers.
From @gmfb, how about the week #Bills LB Terrel Bernard is having?
🤵♂️👰♀️✅
👶✅
💰✅ pic.twitter.com/MP4kKrAul0— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 7, 2025
Bernard’s extension should go over well with all Bills fans, but one fan in particular was especially fired up. NFL analyst Kyle Brandt announced the news with an Oscar-worthy battle cry.
My man, Terrel Bernard.
Home grown. He’s not going anywhere.
💰💰💰💰 pic.twitter.com/wZOpQqDfiF
— Kyle Brandt (@KyleBrandt) March 7, 2025
Where Does Bernard’s Contract Rank?
How does Bernard’s contract compare to those of other NFL linebackers? The 2022 third-round pick signed a four-year, $50 million extension, with $25.2 million in guarantees. His $6.25 million in average yearly guarantees ranks 12th among linebackers, just behind New Orleans’ Demario Davis, while his total guarantees place him fifth, behind Fred Warner.
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
In terms of recent extensions, the Bills appear to have made a smart deal. Just days before Bernard’s extension, the Philadelphia Eagles signed linebacker Zack Baun to a three-year, $51 million contract with $34 million guaranteed. Baun’s deal may have set the market and pushed Bernard’s demands higher than they would have been otherwise.
Given that, the Bills have done remarkably well to lock in a homegrown defensive leader at a reasonable price.
Bills Tying Down Homegrown Talent
Bernard isn’t the first homegrown player the Bills have extended this offseason. Selected two rounds after Bernard in 2022, wide receiver Khalil Shakir also recently signed a four-year extension. Shakir’s targets, receiving yards, and touchdowns have increased in each of his three seasons in Buffalo. a
Bills and WR Khalil Shakir agree to terms on 4-year extension worth up to $60.2M ($32M guaranteed). (via @RapSheet, @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/ATBhR1lVJs
— NFL (@NFL) February 25, 2025
In 2024, Shakir’s targets jumped to 100 from 45 the previous season, despite playing fewer games. The Boise State product has amassed 1,933 receiving yards and nine touchdowns for the Bills across the regular season and the playoffs, with much of that production coming last season.
These two recent extensions suggest Buffalo is emphasizing building from within. A team that consistently ranks among Super Bowl favorites, the Bills are looking to solidify their core by locking in key contributors. Time will tell if these moves help bring a long-awaited Lombardi Trophy to Western New York.