Bills’ Bernard extension draws scrutiny amid Dolphins’ market-shifting Brooks deal
While Terrel Bernard’s four-year, $42 million deal averages $10.5 million annually, the Miami Dolphins’ agreement with Brooks at $17.1 million per season highlights the financial divergence in linebacker valuations.
The Buffalo Bills signed linebacker Terrel Bernard to a four-year, $42 million contract extension in March 2025, a move that has drawn increased scrutiny following the Miami Dolphins’ agreement to a three-year, $51.3 million extension with Jordyn Brooks. While Brooks secured an average annual value of $17.1 million, Bernard’s deal carries an average of $10.5 million, creating a stark contrast in how the league is valuing elite linebacker talent.
Reports indicate the Bills’ contract includes escalators and bonuses described as “not like to be earned,” suggesting the guaranteed value may differ from the headline figure. This structure aligns with general manager Brandon Beane’s broader philosophy of retaining foundational players before market benchmarks rise, a strategy previously applied to Christian Benford, Khalil Shakir, and Greg Rousseau.
The timing of the extension has been questioned given Bernard’s performance during the 2025 season. Injuries limited his effectiveness, causing his production to drop by nearly half compared to his back-to-back 100-tackle seasons in 2023 and 2024. Despite this decline, the Bills prioritised retaining a defensive leader who has been voted a team captain for the past two seasons alongside quarterback Josh Allen.
In comparison, Brooks earned every bit of his new contract with the Dolphins, which includes $35 million guaranteed and keeps him in Miami through the 2029 season. The former first-round pick led the NFL with 183 tackles in the 2025 season, adding 3.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble, earning First-Team All-Pro honours for the first time in his career.
The Bills were investing in Bernard’s role as the “quarterback of the defense” and his leadership within the locker room rather than solely his statistical output. If Bernard returns to his pre-injury form, the $10.5 million annual salary could be viewed as significant value. However, if injuries continue to limit his availability, the questions surrounding the contract’s prudence will likely intensify.
The final assessment of the contract’s value is contingent on Bernard’s health and performance over the remainder of the season. The Bills’ decision to extend him early was an attempt to secure a cornerstone piece before the market reset, but the true measure of that strategy will depend on whether Bernard can replicate his earlier production levels.
