BUF Dorian Williams
NFL linebacker. Position: LB. Team: Buffalo Bills.
Quick Facts
- Position: Linebacker
- Team: BUF (Buffalo Bills)
- Draft: 2023 3rd round pick (Tulane University)
- NFL Experience: Fourth season (2026)
2026 Outlook
Dorian Williams is entering his fourth season with the Buffalo Bills. He had his best year in 2024 when regular starter Matt Milano was injured, playing 70-90% of the defensive snaps in 12 of 17 games with 117 tackles (68 solo), 5 TFLs, 2 QB hits, 1 FF, and 3 FRs across 11 starts. However, his snap count was significantly reduced in 2025 as Milano returned; he played only 39% of snaps in nine of his 16 games. Now he faces increased competition from rookie fourth-round pick Kaleb Elarms-Orr in a new defensive system under Jim Leonhard (DC, formerly Denver Broncos). Williams missed the entire offseason after suffering a neck injury in the playoff game against Denver and has been seen on crutches with an unknown injury, missing all preseason field work. This puts him at a disadvantage in learning Leonhard's new defensive scheme compared to the fully healthy Elarms-Orr. The training camp battle will determine snap distribution; the winner likely gets close to 100% of defensive snaps (per 2026 IDP Training Camp Battles to Watch — Buffalo Bills Linebackers).
Role / Depth Chart
Starting linebacker for Buffalo Bills (contested). Competing with rookie Kaleb Elarms-Orr in training camp.
Injury Status
Uncertain. Suffered neck injury in playoff game vs Denver; also seen on crutches with unknown injury status. Missed entire offseason and preseason field work due to recovery.
Recent News
- 2026-06-23 — Williams battles rookie Kaleb Elarms-Orr for Bills starting LB role; missed offseason due to injury (2026 IDP Training Camp Battles to Watch — Buffalo Bills Linebackers)
Open Questions
- Will Dorian Williams recover from his neck/unknown injuries in time for Week 1?
- Can he regain starting role after missing entire offseason compared to healthy rookie?