On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran discusses a pair of Buffalo Bills defensive players in Max Hairston and Terrell Bernard that appear sharpied in as starters that have plenty to prove in 2026.

Terrel Bernard is a starting off ball linebacker, dictated by the contract he signed before the 2025 season and enforced by the Bills lack of additions to the room so far this offseason. The potential is certainly there, as evidenced by his breakout 2023 campaign but the past few years have been filled with injuries and pedestrian production. Can Bernard be a good fit in this new Jim Leonhard defense? Brandon Beane is banking on it.

A first-round pick a year ago, Max Hairston's first season was hampered by two injuries, one that kept him from the field until almost the middle of the season and another that knocked him out of the playoffs. Last season he semi-platooned with Tre White but this time around it seems Hairston's locked in as a starter alongside Christian Benford.  What's the confidence level of Hairston taking the role and running with it?

That plus a few conclusions you can make about Sean McDermott based on this offseason and plenty more.

Today’s episode is brought to you by the law offices of William Mattar. Hurt in a car, call William Mattar. 444-4444. Call William Mattar today to get the compensation you deserve.

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