Bills rank linebacker Dorian Williams as an important 2026 season contributor

The Buffalo Bills enter the 2026 season with linebacker Dorian Williams serving a critical role in the team's defensive rotation. Now in his fourth season, Williams is scheduled to start alongside Terrel Bernard following the departures of Matt Milano and Shaq Thompson. Williams appeared in 16 games last year, including nine starts, though his season ended prematurely after he suffered an injury during a playoff loss against the Broncos. Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard expects Williams to play a significant role as the team evaluates its linebacker group. Rookie Kaleb Elarms-Orr will also compete for playing time as the coaching staff rotates personnel in various defensive packages. Williams, who carries a cap hit of nearly $3.9 million for the upcoming year, is currently in the final season of his contract.

• 12:54 PMYahoo Sports — 30 most important Bills players of 2026: No. 18 Dorian Williams