Buffalo Bills Add Versatile Linebacker Otis Reese IV After Releasing DB Jalen Kimber

Buffalo’s Roster Shuffle: A Move With Meaning

The Buffalo Bills made another subtle but significant roster adjustment on Tuesday, releasing defensive back Jalen Kimber from the practice squad and adding linebacker Otis Reese IV. While it may look like a simple transaction, the move once again highlights how the Bills are committed to building a defense around speed, range, and hybrid athletes who can thrive in today’s pass-heavy NFL.

Who Is Otis Reese IV?

Reese, now 27, entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Tennessee Titans following the 2023 NFL Draft. Over two seasons in Nashville, he played in 20 games with five starts, producing 38 total tackles, one tackle for loss, and an interception. That production is impressive for a player who had to battle his way onto a roster without draft pedigree.

At 6-foot-3, 214 pounds, Reese brings a unique profile. Originally recruited and developed as a safety in college, he made the transition to linebacker at the pro level. That background makes him a natural fit for Buffalo’s defensive philosophy, which increasingly favors lighter, quicker linebackers who can excel in coverage and adjust to multiple roles on the field.

The Bills’ Blueprint: Speed Over Bulk

Reese’s signing is another reflection of the Bills’ identity under head coach Sean McDermott and defensive coordinator Bobby Babich. Instead of relying on the traditional mold of 240+ pound run-stuffing linebackers, Buffalo has built its core around players with range, instincts, and coverage ability.

Just look at Matt Milano (223 pounds) and Terrel Bernard (224 pounds) — both considered undersized by old-school standards, but now cornerstones of one of the AFC’s most disciplined defensive units. Even Buffalo’s heaviest linebacker, Joe Andreessen (232 pounds), fits into this faster, more mobile framework.

Reese fits that mold perfectly. His safety background gives him the agility to match tight ends and running backs in space, while his physicality allows him to contribute in the box when needed.

Competition and Depth

Buffalo’s linebacker depth has already been tested this season due to injuries and suspensions. The team has leaned heavily on rookies and practice squad call-ups, such as Keonta Jenkins and Jimmy Ciarlo — both former safeties turned linebackers who mirror Reese’s hybrid skill set.

Reese, however, brings one advantage they lack: NFL experience. His 20 career games played mean he understands the speed and demands of the league, making him a valuable insurance policy should the Bills need reinforcements at linebacker during the grind of the season.

The Numbers Game: Jalen Kimber Released

To make room for Reese, Buffalo released defensive back Jalen Kimber, who had joined the Bills’ practice squad in August after being waived by the Titans. Kimber, just 24, entered the league as an undrafted free agent earlier this year and had only been with Buffalo for a brief stint. While his release is part of the harsh business side of the NFL, it also underlines Buffalo’s priority: reinforcing linebacker depth over secondary depth at this stage of the season.

Big Picture: Why This Move Matters

While the signing of Reese may not make national headlines, it’s a move that speaks volumes about Buffalo’s evolving defensive strategy. In a league where offenses continue to spread the field, employ versatile tight ends, and create mismatches with athletic running backs, linebackers must be able to cover ground and adapt instantly.

The Bills have doubled down on this philosophy, stacking their roster with hybrid defenders who can run, cover, and hit. Reese’s addition gives them another tool in that arsenal. Whether he ends up earning snaps on defense, carving out a special teams role, or simply providing reliable depth, his presence fits neatly into Buffalo’s vision for a modern, flexible defense.

For the Bills, it’s simple: if you can fly around the field, tackle in space, and handle multiple assignments, there’s a place for you in Buffalo. Otis Reese IV just earned his shot.