Bills Ink Arkansas DE Landon Jackson to Record Rookie Deal

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills on Friday signed third-round defensive end Landon Jackson from Arkansas to a four-year rookie contract worth $35 million, locking in their highest draft pick from the 2025 class and setting a franchise mark for rookie compensation[3]. The deal, which bolsters the defensive line ahead of the 2026 season, comes as the Bills host rookie minicamp this weekend at One Bills Drive, drawing crowds from Buffalo to Rochester[3]. Jackson, taken 72nd overall, joins five other 2025 draftees in inking deals, signaling stability for a team chasing AFC East dominance. Buffalo's draft strategy in 2025 saw GM Brandon Beane trade aggressively out of the first round in prior years, but Jackson represents the crown jewel of their nine-pick haul[2][5]. The 6-foot-5 Arkansas standout brings elite pass-rush potential, projected to rotate immediately behind veterans like Von Miller on a line that allowed just 18 sacks against last season. Western New York faithful, still buzzing from Highmark Stadium's raucous 2025 playoff run, see Jackson as the missing edge in Josh Allen's title chase. With six of nine rookies now under contract, the Bills waived the remaining three into minicamp, per league norms[3]. Jackson's pact eclipses prior rookie benchmarks in Buffalo, with guarantees pushing total value amid rising NFL salaries. As Erie County braces for training camp in July, Beane's move underscores a defensive rebuild tailored for Buffalo's blue-collar gridiron grit.