Key Bills Defensive Player Hints at Return to Buffalo for 2026

Former linebacker Shaq Thompson suggests he's working on a new deal to rejoin the team.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:37am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the chaotic movements of a football player, with sharp planes of navy blue, royal blue, and white overlapping to create a sense of energy and motion.A cubist interpretation of a linebacker's explosive movements on the field, reflecting the dynamic nature of Shaq Thompson's potential return to the Buffalo Bills' defense.Buffalo Today

Former Buffalo Bills linebacker Shaq Thompson, who played a key role in the team's defense last season, has hinted that he is working on a return to the team for the 2026 season. Thompson, a free agent, responded to a fan on social media saying he is 'trying to' work out a deal to come back to Buffalo.

Why it matters

The Bills have undergone some significant changes this offseason, including the firing of head coach Sean McDermott and the departure of several defensive starters. Thompson's potential return would provide stability and experience to the linebacker corps as the team transitions to a new coaching staff and roster.

The details

Thompson, who spent the first 10 seasons of his career with the Carolina Panthers, joined the Bills in 2023 on a one-year contract. He appeared in 12 games with six starts, making 56 total tackles with 1.0 sacks, two passes defensed, and one forced fumble. Though he was limited by injuries in 2023 and 2023, Thompson emerged as one of the team's most reliable linebackers by the end of the 2023 season.

  • Thompson's one-year contract with the Bills expired after the 2023 season.
  • He responded to a fan's social media post about a potential return to Buffalo in late March 2026.

The players

Shaq Thompson

A free agent linebacker who spent the 2023 season with the Buffalo Bills after 10 years with the Carolina Panthers.

Sean McDermott

The former head coach of the Buffalo Bills, who was fired after the 2023 season.

Jim Leonhard

The new defensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills, hired after McDermott's departure.

Brandon Beane

The general manager of the Buffalo Bills, known for his affinity for bringing back the team's own free agents.

Matt Milano

A Bills linebacker who also hit free agency after the 2023 season.

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What they’re saying

“Hey Shaq, let's run it back in Buffalo! Have they been in contact?”

— Fan

“Trying to.”

— Shaq Thompson

“In fact, by season's end, Thompson was widely considered the better option than his teammate, particularly when defending against the run.”

— Alex Brasky, SI.com Analyst

“Thompson would likely be a low-cost signing for the Bills, as Spotrac has his projected average annual value at $2.3 million.”

— Alex Brasky, SI.com Analyst

What’s next

The Bills will need to negotiate a new contract with Shaq Thompson if they want to bring him back for the 2026 season. The team has about a month remaining until the 2026 NFL Draft, during which they may also look to address their linebacker needs through the draft.

The takeaway

Shaq Thompson's potential return to the Bills would provide much-needed stability and experience to the team's defense as it undergoes a transition to a new coaching staff. His affordable price tag and proven production make him a logical target for the Bills to re-sign in free agency.