The Buffalo Bills have secured cornerback Christian Benford with a significant contract extension, reflecting his rapid ascent since being drafted in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The four-year extension, worth $76 million, signifies the team’s commitment to him as a key player. The deal includes various bonuses, but the focus for fans lies in its salary cap implications.

Benford's contract strategically incorporates a void year, allowing the Bills to manage their salary cap more effectively. His salary cap hit will increase markedly, hitting $2.6 million in 2025 and $7.456 million in 2026, with substantial dead-cap hits of $18.89 million and $16.25 million, respectively, if he were to be released. However, by 2027, if Benford maintains his performance levels, the club could save around $15 million in cap space by restructuring or cutting him. This dynamic highlights the delicate balance teams face in managing player contracts while striving to remain competitive.

Buffalo Bills have a rich history of finding hidden gems in the late rounds of the NFL draft, contributing significantly to their success. General Manager Brandon Beane emphasizes the importance of talent over draft position, a philosophy echoed by head coach Sean McDermott. This approach has unearthed numerous late-round success stories, such as Hall of Fame receiver Andre Reed and defensive stalwarts like Kyle Williams and Matt Milano. Recent picks like Khalil Shakir and Christian Benford continue this trend, proving that with keen scouting and a focus on ability, the Bills can turn late-round selections into impact players.

The Buffalo Bills are evaluating potential cornerback options ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, including hosting a pre-draft visit with Notre Dame defender Benjamin Morrison. Standing at six feet, Morrison has drawn attention for his skills in zone defense, which aligns well with the Bills' defensive strategy under head coach Sean McDermott. His speed and ball skills are highly regarded, but he will need to enhance his run defending as he transitions to the NFL.

In the wake of the Bills extending Christian Benford's contract, the future of fellow corner Rasul Douglas remains uncertain as he is currently a free agent. General manager Brandon Beane has not ruled out extending Douglas's contract but has indicated that such discussions will not occur until after the draft.

The Buffalo Bills are projected to address their pressing need for secondary help in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, according to Pro Football Focus. With a draft spot at No. 30, the Bills are expected to select cornerback Trey Amos from Ole Miss. The Bills finished the 2024 season ranked poorly in coverage, underscoring the need for a reliable corner opposite Christian Benford.

Rasul Douglas remains a free agent, further complicating the depth chart. The Bills' 2024 coverage grade of 42.9 highlights their struggles, and with only Benford showcasing a respectable mark above 68.0, the addition of Amos, who can play both press-man and off-zone coverage well, could significantly bolster their pass defense.

Christian Benford has solidified his future with the Buffalo Bills by signing a long-term extension, and he hopes to reunite with his brother Rasul Douglas, who is currently a free agent. Benford expressed a desire to play alongside Douglas once again, emphasizing the bond between them as brothers.

Despite Douglas' subpar performance last season, as reflected in his low Pro Football Focus rating, Benford remains optimistic about his potential return. General Manager Brandon Beane hasn't dismissed the idea, although it appears that any move regarding Douglas may be contingent upon the upcoming NFL draft.