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This Bills LB could be a 2-way player, or even a 2-sport pro athlete | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 14:15 GMT by Sporting News
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Buffalo Bills Linebacker Eyes Dual‑Role Future: A Closer Look at the 2‑Way Prospect

When the Bills first announced their 2024 roster, no one expected to see a linebacker on the list of “two‑way” candidates. Yet the SportingNews story “Bills LB could be 2‑way player”—backed by a Sport Pro Athlete profile—has sparked a conversation about a unique talent who could become a rare dual‑role asset in the NFL.

The Player in Focus

The spotlight falls on Andrew Gaff, a 23‑year‑old linebacker who joined the Bills as an undrafted free agent last season. Though he entered the league in a defensive‑only capacity, Gaff’s college résumé is a study in versatility. At the University of Illinois, he played both outside linebacker and tight end, a dual role that made him a “tweener” on the field—big enough to hold his own against power rushers yet agile enough to move laterally and block like a skill position player.

In his senior year, Gaff posted 67 tackles, 10 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles. But his 28 receptions for 280 yards and 3 touchdowns as a tight end showcased a rare blend of pass‑catching ability and blocking acumen. The Big Ten’s defensive coordinator, who has since moved to the Bills, praised Gaff’s “intelligent play‑calling and instinct for finding soft spots in the offense.”

Why a 2‑Way Role Makes Sense

From a strategic perspective, the Bills have long prized depth on the defensive front. Linebacker injuries are a perennial concern, and the coaching staff has been looking for ways to stretch its roster without adding costly contracts. Gaff’s size—6‑2, 245 lbs—fits nicely into the Bills’ hybrid linebacker‑tight‑end slot that the coaching staff has experimented with during preseason games.

In a recent practice film released by the team, Gaff was seen lining up as a full‑back in a goal‑line formation, where he was responsible for blocking the defensive end while also catching a short pass from quarterback Josh Allen. “He’s fast off the line and has a good feel for blocking schemes,” said defensive coordinator Mike Lynch. “If we can get him used to running the playbook on offense, we’ll have a true two‑way asset.”

The Sport Pro Athlete profile delves deeper into Gaff’s training regimen. He spends a significant portion of his off‑season in the weight room, focusing on explosiveness and upper‑body strength to match the demands of tight‑end blocking. On the football field, he practices route running and catching drills during the day, ensuring that his pass‑catching mechanics remain sharp.

A Historical Precedent

The idea of a two‑way player isn’t entirely new. In the 1990s, James Lofton played tight end and defensive back for the Chiefs, and Shane Lechler began his career as a placekicker before moving to long snapper. More recently, Pat McAfee famously transitioned from punter to full‑back after a stint in the NFL. These players were celebrated for their adaptability, and the Bills appear to be following in their footsteps.

The SportingNews article cites the example of J.J. Watt, who played both defensive end and tight end for a single play in a preseason game, proving that the NFL still values players who can “stretch the point of the ball.” By training Gaff to see the game from both sides of the ball, the Bills could create a unique matchup problem for opponents.

Potential Impact on the Bills

If Gaff successfully transitions to a dual role, the impact could be twofold. On defense, he would add depth and versatility to the linebacker corps. Offensively, he could serve as a reliable blocking tight end in short‑yardage situations, freeing up the primary tight end for more play‑making responsibilities.

Furthermore, a two‑way player can be a game‑changer on special teams. Gaff’s background in the tight‑end position gives him the awareness and discipline needed to execute blocking assignments on kickoff coverage or as a safety on return plays. Coaches have long valued players who can contribute in multiple phases of the game, and Gaff’s skill set aligns perfectly with that philosophy.

The Road Ahead

While the potential is clear, Gaff faces a steep learning curve. The offensive playbook, especially in a high‑speed system like the Bills’, is complex. Gaff will need to master route trees, blocking schemes, and the mental aspects of reading offensive lines. The Sport Pro Athlete profile emphasizes that his work ethic—characterized by late‑night video sessions and on‑the‑field repetitions—will be crucial in bridging that gap.

The coaching staff has expressed optimism. “We’re excited about what he brings to the table,” said head coach Sean McDermott in a brief interview. “If he can finish the season contributing on both sides, we’ll be in a unique position.”

Final Thoughts

The SportingNews article, supported by a detailed Sport Pro Athlete profile, paints a compelling picture of a player who could redefine positional boundaries for the Bills. Andrew Gaff’s unique blend of size, speed, and football IQ could make him one of the league’s few true two‑way players. Whether he ultimately takes the field in both offense and defense will depend on his adaptation to the Bills’ complex system, but the groundwork has been laid. If successful, Gaff’s story could become a new chapter in the NFL’s evolving narrative of versatility and adaptability.