Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady isn’t looking to make a linebacker change just because Shaq Thompson is sitting there on the roster.
Speaking with reporters at the Bren Events Center on the campus at University of California, Irvine, Brady was asked whether there had been “any consideration to maybe getting him out there and seeing what it looks like,” after Thompson rejoined the team via the practice squad several weeks ago. Brady’s answer made his stance clear.
“No. I mean right now (smirking) I think you’re not as [much of] a fan of the way our linebackers are playing, based off some of the questions.
But no, I have no issues with the way our linebackers are playing right now. You know, Shaq, Shaq has - he knows he was brought here as, obviously from a leadership component and, you know, if an opportunity came up, and, you know, it’s a long season that having a guy like himself with his background and his history to be able to come in and play, and play meaningful football… and, you know, that’s why he’s here.”
That response pointed directly to Thompson’s role for now: a veteran presence, not an immediate answer on game day. Brady doubled down on that idea when he explained why the Bills haven’t turned to Thompson yet.
“Look, I like where the linebackers are at right now. They’re continuing to get better.
I’d love for, you know, (rookie linebacker) Kaleb (Elarms-Orr) to play a little more than you know, he played the other day. And that’s not an indictment on Dorian (Williams) or TB (Terrel Bernard).
That’s just being able to get these guys fresh, you know, throughout games and when the game’s on the line. So, no, I love having Shaq here.
There’s a reason Shaq’s here, but I like how - where our linebackers are at right now.”
Brady’s comments leave little room for mystery about how the Bills view the position at the moment. Thompson remains valuable, but the coaching staff appears satisfied with the group already taking snaps.
There has been outside noise calling for more of a youth push on defense, and linebacker has been part of that conversation. That includes giving Williams a larger role and potentially leaning more on Elarms-Orr as a rookie. It also means giving Bernard time to settle into a new system, the same as his teammates.
For now, though, Thompson’s value is tied to what he brings behind the scenes and what he can provide if an opening comes later in the season. Brady made it plain: the Bills like where their linebackers are, and Thompson is there to wait for that opportunity.
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