The Buffalo Bills will run it back with one of the team’s key reserve offensive lineman of the 2025 NFL season, with a report that offensive tackle Alec Anderson is set to return to One Bills Drive in 2026. Ian Rapoport shared the news via Anderson’s agent, Sam Leaf Ireifej, mentioning that Anderson’s one-year deal is for $3 million, and includes $1.8 million in guaranteed money.
Anderson was a restricted free agent (RFA), but this deal appears to have entirely avoided that scenario. It’s a team-friendly deal that is actually below the RFA number — the latter a figure of $3.5 million.
Anderson appeared in every game for Buffalo this past season, and he’s made six starts in two campaigns. The Bills saw something in Anderson, a mammoth 6’5”, 305-pound tackle out of UCLA, and signed him following the 2022 NFL Draft. Anderson has proven to be a valuable member of Buffalo’s offense, carving out a meaningful role as a reserve lineman. Prior to 2025 when rookie tight end Jackson Hawes emerged, Anderson had seen extended snaps in tight-end heavy looks as a swing tackle in sixth o-linemen personnel.
Despite new head coach Joe Brady having shifted to Hawes more in those looks during the 2025 season, Anderson remained an integral part of the offensive line in each game. Anderson brings additional value as a player in-house with game experience at center. The signing is a solid start and plus-move to begin 2026 for president of football operations/general manager Brandon Beane and the Bills.