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 have secured cornerback Christian Benford with a significant four-year, $76 million contract extension. The 24-year-old, originally drafted in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Villanova, was set to enter the last year of his rookie deal. This extension not only highlights Benford's importance to the team but also emphasizes the Bills' commitment to retaining their young talent.

Since his second season, Benford has established himself as a starter, outpacing former first-round pick Kaiir Elam for the position. He recorded five interceptions in his career, including two last season, and has been credited with 25 passes defended. His extension is part of a broader strategy by the Bills to lock up core players, joining the likes of quarterback Josh Allen and receiver Khalil Shakir, solidifying their roster as they aim for continued success in the AFC East.

The Buffalo Bills have secured cornerback Christian Benford with a four-year, $76 million contract extension, solidifying their commitment to homegrown talent. The 24-year-old Benford, who was set to enter the final year of his rookie contract in 2025, now becomes one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league, averaging $19 million annually. His extension follows a breakout season in 2024, where he started 15 games and achieved the sixth-best pass coverage grade among cornerbacks.

A sixth-round draft pick from Villanova in 2022, Benford has significantly developed since his rookie year. He recorded at least two interceptions and 10 pass breakups in both of his last two seasons, even garnering a vote for Defensive Player of the Year for his performance last season. This move not only highlights his growth but also addresses the team's need to fill the gap left by veteran cornerback Rasul Douglas, who departed in free agency. The Bills have been proactive in re-signing key players, including wide receiver Khalil Shakir and pass rusher Greg Rousseau, indicating a strategy focused on retaining core talent.

Khalil Shakir has secured his future with the Buffalo Bills, signing a four-year extension that keeps him around until the 2029 season. In 2024, he led the team with 100 targets, 76 receptions, and 821 receiving yards, showcasing his prominence in the offense. His new contract is valued at $60.2 million, with $32 million guaranteed. The structure is designed to maintain manageable cap hits initially, starting at $6.792 million in 2026 and increasing to $16.22 million by the final year. A void year in 2030 allows the Bills to spread the cap hit more effectively.

For fantasy managers and analysts, Shakir's extension signals confidence from the franchise, emphasizing his role as a key target in an evolving Bills offense. His performance trend suggests he may continue to build on his success, making him a valuable asset in upcoming drafts and waivers. With the potential for a contract restructure on the horizon, Shakir appears to be a player to watch closely, especially as the Bills manage their salary cap and roster flexibility.