Who Replaces Bills' LB Tremaine Edmunds?

For the first time since 2017, the Buffalo Bills are searching for a middle linebacker not named Tremaine Edmunds.

When the Buffalo Bills report to training camp next week all eyes will likely be fixated on enigmatic receiver Stefon Diggs, top draft pick Dalton Kincaid, and the overall vibe as they again try to make a Super Bowl run.

But the most astute - and "very concerned"? - observers will focus their attention another direction. To the middle linebacker position, where for the first time since 2017 the Bills won't find comfort in seeing Tremaine Edmunds. The veteran leader is gone, departed to the Chicago Bears in free agency last March.

While the dramatic Diggs and his relationship with management and coach Sean McDermott will garner most of camp's early headlines, one of the Bills' most pressing priorities is to find out who will replace the anchor of their defense.

The leading candidate is A.J. Klein, who has made 82 career NFL starts and is on his second stint with Buffalo after signing as a free agent in April. Behind him are Terrell Bernard, Tyrel Dodson and rookie third-round pick Dorian Williams. None of them have Edmunds' talent or experience.

It's a competition, one that might not be settled until the week before the Bills open the regular season Sept. 11 at Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets.

“If you said you had a hardline date, you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage,” linebackers coach Bobby Babich told the Buffalo News. “What I think will happen is there will naturally be a conclusion. We do think very methodically here.”

It appears to be Klein's job to lose. He has played with six teams, including the Carolina Panthers when McDermott served as the defensive coordinator. Bernard was the team's third-round draft choice in 2022, but might not be ready to ascend to full-time starter.

“At any position when you have to replace somebody who’s had a ton of reps and experience and been fairly healthy, there is obviously growth that will have to happen,” Babich said. “For me, that’s exciting. There is a great opportunity for a lot of good football players to be able to step into that role.”

Whoever wins the job, filling Edmunds' position will prove easier than filling his shoes. He missed only seven games in his five years, making the Pro Bowl in 2019-20.

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