The Buffalo Bills have named their six captains for the 2026 season, with quarterback Josh Allen and linebacker Terrel Bernard returning to the leadership group while four players receive the honor for the first time or return to the role.
Allen will serve as an offensive captain for the eighth consecutive season as he prepares to begin his ninth year with Buffalo. The 2024 National Football League Most Valuable Player was selected by the Bills with the seventh overall pick in the 2018 draft and has remained a fixture in the team’s leadership group throughout his career.
Joining Allen on offense will be tight end Dawson Knox, who is a captain for the first time in his seven seasons with Buffalo. The 29-year-old was selected by the Bills in the third round of the 2019 draft.
Bernard will represent the defense as a captain for the third straight season. The 27-year-old enters his fifth season with Buffalo after the Bills selected him in the third round of the 2022 draft.
Newcomer Bradley Chubb will also serve as a defensive captain in his first season with the Bills. Buffalo signed the 30-year-old pass rusher in free agency after he spent parts of the previous three seasons with the Miami Dolphins. Chubb was also a captain in Miami last season.
On special teams, long snapper Reid Ferguson earns the captain designation for the fourth time in his career and first since 2021. Ferguson is Buffalo’s longest-tenured player after joining the team as an undrafted free agent in 2016.
Sam Franklin Jr. rounds out the group after becoming a key special teams contributor following his arrival in Buffalo last season. The Bills rewarded his performance with a three-year contract extension this offseason.
The Bills open the 2026 season Sunday at 1 p.m. against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.