Bills rank linebacker Dorian Williams as an important 2026 season contributor
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 12:54 PM
Last updated Aug 31, 2026
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.
- •Dorian Williams enters his fourth NFL season as a key piece of the Buffalo defense.
- •The linebacker is projected to start beside Terrel Bernard during the 2026 season.
- •Competition for snaps includes fourth-round rookie Kaleb Elarms-Orr.
- •Williams played 44% of defensive snaps during the 2025 season.
- •The linebacker carries a 2026 salary cap hit of $3,902,692.
- 11:45 AMYahoo Sports — 30 most important Bills players of 2026: No. 15 Cole Bishop
- 11:45 AMYahoo Sports — 30 most important Bills players of 2026: No. 16 Terrel Bernard
- 12:54 PMYahoo Sports — 30 most important Bills players of 2026: No. 18 Dorian Williams
"Leading up to the season, we will be counting down the top 30 most important players on the Buffalo Bills. Coming in at No. 18 is Dorian Williams.
"Leading up to the season, we will be counting down the top 30 most important players on the Buffalo Bills. Coming in at No. 16 is Terrel Bernard.
"Leading up to the season, we will be counting down the top 30 most important players on the Buffalo Bills. Coming in at No. 15 is Cole Bishop.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 3, 2026, 11:45 AM30 most important Bills players of 2026: No. 15 Cole Bishop
Leading up to the season, we will be counting down the top 30 most important players on the Buffalo Bills. Coming in at No. 15 is Cole Bishop.
- Yahoo SportsSep 2, 2026, 11:45 AM30 most important Bills players of 2026: No. 16 Terrel Bernard
Leading up to the season, we will be counting down the top 30 most important players on the Buffalo Bills. Coming in at No. 16 is Terrel Bernard.
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 12:54 PM30 most important Bills players of 2026: No. 18 Dorian Williams
Leading up to the season, we will be counting down the top 30 most important players on the Buffalo Bills. Coming in at No. 18 is Dorian Williams.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
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