The Buffalo Bills have signed cornerback Christian Benford to a four-year, $76 million contract extension, securing him through the 2029 season. This move aligns with the Bills’ strategy of retaining draft picks who have become key starters, as emphasized by general manager Brandon Beane. Benford emerged as the team’s top outside cornerback after starting 34 games and contributing 5 interceptions and 25 passes defensed over three seasons. He is the third member of the Bills’ 2022 draft class to sign an extension this offseason. The team is now focused on addressing their depth in the cornerback position ahead of the upcoming draft.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Bills are sticking to their offseason strategy of securing long-term deals for their draft selections, having finalized a four-year, $76 million extension for cornerback Christian Benford, according to his agents, Hadley Engelhard and Jim Ulrich of EnterSports Management, who informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Saturday.
At just 24, Benford was poised to enter the last year of his rookie contract but will now remain with the team through the 2029 season. This contract is the latest example of the Bills’ commitment to retaining homegrown talent before they hit free agency, reflecting general manager Brandon Beane’s philosophy of “draft, develop, and re-sign.”
Benford, picked in the sixth round from Villanova, becomes the third member of the Bills’ 2022 draft class to secure a four-year extension this offseason, alongside wide receiver Khalil Shakir and linebacker Terrel Bernard. Additionally, the Bills have given extensions to defensive end Greg Rousseau (four years) and quarterback Josh Allen (six years) during this offseason.
“I really appreciate Christian and I’m thrilled he’ll be returning this season; we will see how it pans out for keeping him here now and in the future,” Beane commented earlier this month. “As I’ve always stated, our aim is to draft, develop, and retain our own talent, and it’s exciting that he’ll be here this year, especially as we are currently lacking depth at his position.”
Over the last two seasons, Benford has firmly established himself as a starter, having started five games during his rookie year as the team navigated its lineup. He made significant progress in 2024, evolving into the team’s primary outside cornerback. Across three seasons, Benford has achieved 34 regular-season starts, stacking up 5 interceptions, 25 passes defensed, 4 forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
The average annual value of this new contract positions Benford’s pay grade tied for 13th among cornerbacks in the league.
By signing Benford, the Bills are addressing one of their critical needs at outside cornerback for the foreseeable future. However, as the draft approaches in less than a month, there is currently no established starter lined up opposite Benford, especially after Rasul Douglas entered free agency this offseason. Compounding their depth issues, the team recently traded 2022 first-round selection Kaiir Elam to the Dallas Cowboys while re-signing Dane Jackson.
The final consideration for potential extensions remains 2022 second-round selection running back James Cook.