How much will Terrel Bernard earn in 2024 (and when can he sign an extension)?

At this point last year, the Buffalo Bills had big questions at middle linebacker since their starter for the last five seasons, Tremaine Edmunds, had left in free agency and signed a monster contract with the Chicago Bears. The Bills were patient with their approach to the position, similar to that at wide receiver this year, and were ready to enter training camp with an open competition.

One of those players was former third-round pick Terrel Bernard, who was somewhat unknown because he didn’t play much defense during his rookie season. He would also miss most of the preseason due to injury and entering Week 1, there were still plenty of concerns at the position.

However, that concern quickly disappeared as Bernard started the season with four turnovers and two sacks in his first five games. He would finish the season with 143 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, three interceptions and three fumble recoveries.

This season, Bernard will be in the third year of his rookie contract and, according to Spotrac, he has a cap hit of just $1.4 million. After Bernard’s season, the Buffalo Bills should be sure to have their future starting middle linebacker, but they will have to wait before they can sign an extension.

According to Joel Curry of CBS Sports, the collective bargaining agreement does not allow players on rookie contracts to be unable to reach a new deal until the final game of their third regular season. This means that even if the Bills want to get an extension with Terrel Bernard, they will have to wait until after this season.

This could be good news or bad news depending on how this season goes. If Bernard puts in a similar performance to last season, the Bills should be confident in a long-term deal, but that also means Bernard could look to negotiate a bigger deal.