Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Bills fans and fans across the country.
We’re back with another Reacts poll to end the work week, Rumblers! Buffalo Bills preseason football is at our doorstep, and we know that it hypes everyone up for the regular season, even if we soon realize that exhibition football lacks a certain thing or two.
Instead of focusing in too finely on the preseason, we want to know who’s your pick to be the Bills’ defensive leader during the 2026 NFL season. Despite a new regime that features first-time head coach Joe Brady and first-time NFL defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, will it be status quo? Or does leadership transcend just captaincy — a title that linebacker Terrel Bernard has held in recent seasons?
Who rises to be the undisputed leader/face of the defense this season? Is it Bernard, or another long-tenured veteran such as edge rusher Greg Rousseau, defensive tackle Ed Oliver? Perhaps it’s cornerback Christian Benford or safety Cole Bishop who you see rising to the challenge as a tone setter. Then there’s veteran edge rusher Bradley Chubb, a new addition to the team in 2026.
This is of course separate of the understanding that Jim Leonhard is the one running the show from the sideline. Vote now, with the understanding that our poll in The Feed is limited to six options. If you feel it’s someone other than those listed, sound off in the comments below.
