Bills Add New Linebacker Amid Wave of NFL Roster Moves

Buffalo Bills: Flexibility at Linebacker

The Bills continue to evolve defensively, releasing cornerback Jalen Kimber from the practice squad while signing versatile linebacker Otis Reese IV.

Reese, 27, began his career with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent. Across 20 games (five starts), he totaled 38 tackles, one tackle for loss, and an interception. Originally a safety in college, Reese transitioned to linebacker at the pro level, giving Buffalo the exact hybrid profile the team covets.

At 6’3”, 214 pounds, he mirrors the Bills’ modern blueprint: speed and agility over bulk. With stars like Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard thriving in that undersized-but-quick mold, Reese brings depth, coverage ability, and experience — something invaluable if called up from the practice squad.

Cleveland Browns: Wide Receiver Depth

The Browns released DE K.J. Henry and added WR Luke Floriea. Floriea’s hands and athleticism may give Cleveland another option behind a top-heavy receiver group still searching for consistency.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tough Blow at Tight End

The Bucs placed TE Ko Kieft on injured reserve, a significant loss given his blocking presence. To offset the blow, Tampa signed TE Caden Prieskorn and DT Desmond Watson to the practice squad, while DT C.J. Brewer was elevated to the active roster. DB Jack Henderson was waived.

Arizona Cardinals: Conner Out, Depth In

RB James Conner heads to injured reserve, stripping Arizona of its power back. To reshape the roster, WR Trishton Jackson was waived, DB Demontrey Jacobs promoted, and WR Elliott Brown plus DB Patrick McMorris were signed.

Indianapolis Colts: Veteran Help in the Secondary

The Colts signed DB Mike Hilton, a proven slot defender, after releasing WR Tyler Scott from the practice squad. Hilton’s leadership could make him more than just depth.

Miami Dolphins: Trench Reinforcements

Miami added OL Roy Mbaeteka and Kadeem Telfort to the practice squad, continuing the smart trend of stockpiling offensive line depth as the season grinds on.

Atlanta Falcons: Special Teams First

The Falcons brought in K Ben Sauls and WR/returner Deven Thompkins. Sauls provides kicking insurance while Thompkins boosts the return game.

New York Giants: A Kicker Swap

The Giants released LB Curtis Jacobs and signed K Younghoe Koo to the practice squad. With Koo’s track record, he could quickly challenge for a roster spot.

New York Jets: Hit Hard at Linebacker

The Jets placed LB Quincy Williams and LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball on injured reserve. To fill the void, they added LB Ben Niemann to the practice squad and signed LB Mark Robinson off the Patriots’ practice squad to the active roster. OL Liam Fornadel was released.

Green Bay Packers: Hardman Out

The Packers cut WR Mecole Hardman, who never found rhythm in Green Bay. OL Brant Banks was promoted, while WR Jakobie Keeney-James joined the practice squad.

Carolina Panthers: Speed Injection

The Panthers signed WR Dan Chisena, known for blazing speed and special teams value, after cutting DT Tommy Akingbesote.

New England Patriots: Familiar Depth

The Pats waived CB Corey Ballentine, signing DB Tyron Herring to maintain depth in the secondary.

New Orleans Saints: Size at Tight End

The Saints elevated TE Moliki Matavao to the active roster, adding a 6’6” frame capable of red-zone mismatches.

Seattle Seahawks: Offensive Boost

Seattle added RB Khalil Herbert to the practice squad and promoted WR Cody White to the active roster. Safety Jerrick Reed was waived.

Houston Texans: Surprise Release

The Texans parted ways with S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, a shocker considering his playmaking ability.

Tennessee Titans: Low-Key Trade

The Titans added RB Raheem Blackshear and made a minor trade, sending DB Jarvis Brownlee and a 2026 7th-round pick to the Jets for a 2026 6th-round pick.

Minnesota Vikings: Roster Cleanup

Minnesota released WR Lucky Jackson, RB Xazavian Valladay, WR Tim Jones, and DE Alex Williams. To replenish RB depth, they signed Corey Kiner.

The Big Picture

Week 4 roster adjustments may not dominate headlines, but they reveal how coaches adapt mid-season: shuffling depth, managing injuries, and betting on upside.

For Buffalo, the move to bring in Otis Reese IV is emblematic of Sean McDermott’s philosophy: fast, versatile defenders who can adapt on the fly. These subtle roster changes often end up shaping playoff pushes in December.