The Buffalo Bills are keeping the trenches strong by bringing back offensive lineman Alec Anderson on a one-year deal for the 2025 season. The big guy has been grinding since signing as an undrafted free agent out of UCLA in 2022, and last season, he finally got his shot on the field. Now, the Bills are making sure they keep some much-needed depth up front.

What’s the Deal with an Exclusive Rights Free Agent?

Alright, so Anderson wasn’t exactly a free agent in the traditional sense. He was an Exclusive Rights Free Agent (ERFA), which basically means the Bills had all the control. Since he has two or fewer accrued NFL seasons, the team could offer him a one-year, league-minimum contract, and as long as they did that, he couldn’t negotiate with other teams. His options? Sign the deal or sit out—and obviously, he’s sticking with Buffalo.

Anderson’s 2024 Season – A Promising Start

Anderson finally got on the field in 2024, and he made the most of it. He suited up for all 17 regular-season games, even getting four starts along the way. He was also part of all three playoff games, proving that he’s more than just a depth piece.

One of the most impressive stats? The Bills’ offensive line allowed the fewest sacks in the entire league last season—and Anderson was part of that success. He logged 27% of offensive snaps, proving he can hold his own in the rotation.

Why This Move Matters for Buffalo

O-line depth is everything in the NFL. Injuries happen, and if you don’t have reliable backups, your quarterback is going to suffer. (And let’s be real—keeping Josh Allen upright is priority number one.) Anderson showed last year that he’s capable, versatile, and reliable, so bringing him back was a no-brainer.

What’s Next for Anderson and the Bills?

Now that he’s back, Anderson has a shot to carve out an even bigger role in 2025. With some potential shake-ups on the offensive line, he’ll likely be in the mix for more snaps. Whether he ends up as a key depth piece or competes for a starting job, one thing’s for sure—having him around makes the Bills’ O-line stronger.

Smart move, Buffalo. Let’s run it back. GO BILLS! 🔵🔴🐃