The Buffalo Bills are turning back to a familiar face to fortify their defense — former Clemson linebacker Baylon Spector is back in Buffalo.
Ahead of Week 6, the Bills announced they’ve signed Spector to their practice squad, alongside cornerback Jalen Kimber, as the team seeks to shore up depth across its defensive unit.
For Spector, it marks a return to the organization that drafted him in the seventh round (232nd overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. The 26-year-old linebacker spent three seasons with the Bills, carving out a reputation as a reliable special teamer and situational defender before his release earlier this year.
We have made the following roster moves:
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) October 7, 2025
- Signed LB Baylon Spector and CB Jalen Kimber to the practice squad
- Released Otis Reese IV from the practice squad#BillsMafia | https://t.co/F9F2C7Dp3R pic.twitter.com/3Y5BBkU0tK
From Clemson Grit to NFL Grind
A cornerstone of Brent Venables’ Clemson defenses from 2018–21, Spector became known for his tenacity, leadership, and sideline-to-sideline pursuit. He helped anchor one of the most dominant defensive fronts in college football, posting 210 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks during his Tigers career.
That relentless motor translated to the NFL, where Spector totaled 34 tackles, nine assists, one sack, and one quarterback hit during his first three seasons in Buffalo. His 2024 campaign featured eight appearances, including a breakout stretch where he earned increased snaps on defense and special teams.
Now, back in the fold, Spector brings valuable experience and familiarity with Sean McDermott’s defensive system — and could be a candidate for a call-up if injuries persist at linebacker.
Buffalo’s Roster Shuffle
To make room for Spector and Kimber, the Bills released linebacker Otis Reese IV from the practice squad. Kimber, meanwhile, returns to Buffalo after a brief stint with the Tennessee Titans, bringing additional competition to the secondary.
For Spector, though, this reunion is an opportunity to re-establish himself within a playoff-caliber defense — and prove once again why he’s long been viewed as one of the most dependable depth pieces to come out of Clemson’s NFL pipeline.