Buffalo Bills Re-Sign Otis Reese IV After Linebacker Injury

The Buffalo Bills have added a familiar face to their linebacker room as the team continues to navigate injuries during training camp.

Buffalo signed Otis Reese IV ahead of Thursday’s practice at St. John Fisher University and placed linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles on injured reserve. The move gives the Bills additional depth while bringing back a player the organization already knows.

For Reese, it marks his second stint with the Buffalo Bills in less than a year.

Bills Bring Back Otis Reese IV

The 28-year-old linebacker originally joined Buffalo’s practice squad on September 23 last season. However, his first stint with the organization lasted only two weeks before the Bills released him on October 7.

Reese then moved to the New England Patriots, joining their practice squad before signing a reserve/futures contract in February. The Patriots waived him on July 31.

Just six days later, Reese is back in Buffalo and preparing for another opportunity with the Bills.

The signing also reflects Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane’s approach to roster building. Before training camp began, Beane explained why the team keeps track of players who have previously been part of the organization.

“That’s our job is to keep a running list of players at each position,” Beane said. “You’re naturally going to lean to someone who you know has done it recently for you and had success.”

Reese fits that philosophy because he already understands the Bills’ organization and has recent NFL experience.

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Reese Brings NFL Experience to Buffalo

Although Reese has not appeared in a regular-season game for Buffalo, he has experience playing at the NFL level.

Reese originally signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2023. During two seasons with Tennessee, he appeared in 20 games and made five starts.

He recorded 38 total tackles and one interception during his time with the Titans.

Reese recorded the first interception of his NFL career in December 2024 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He stepped into a larger role after starting linebacker Kenneth Murray suffered an injury.

That experience could make Reese a useful depth option for Buffalo as the team works through its current linebacker situation.

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Strong College Career at Georgia and Ole Miss

Before entering the NFL, Reese played college football at both Georgia and Ole Miss.

He finished his collegiate career with the Rebels after producing 198 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and two interceptions.

His combination of defensive experience and special teams potential gives Buffalo another player who can compete for a roster role during training camp and the preseason.

Reese will wear No. 30 with the Bills.

Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles Placed on Injured Reserve

Reese’s arrival comes after Buffalo placed Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles on injured reserve.

The roster move created an opening for Reese, but the timing is significant. Because Flannigan-Fowles was placed on injured reserve before Buffalo established its initial 53-man roster, he is currently not eligible to return to the Bills during the season under the standard injured reserve return rules.

His situation could change if Buffalo reaches an injury settlement with him and subsequently releases him.

For now, the Bills have addressed their linebacker depth by bringing back a familiar player.

What Reese’s Return Means for the Bills

The Bills are entering an important stage of training camp, making depth at every position increasingly important. Reese gives Buffalo another experienced linebacker who already has some familiarity with the organization.

While he still faces competition for a roster spot, his previous NFL experience and knowledge of Buffalo’s system could help him make an impression quickly.

The Bills’ decision to bring Reese back also highlights the value of maintaining relationships with former players. As Brandon Beane noted, familiarity can become especially valuable when injuries create sudden roster needs.

For Reese, the opportunity is simple: make the most of his second chance in Buffalo and earn a place on the team’s 2026 roster.