Bills’ GM Brandon Beane inks another team-friendly deal, extending Christian Benford

The Buffalo Bills re-signed their CB1 to a four-year extension that may prove to be a bargain

Buffalo Bills cornerback Christian Benford / Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Brandon Beane, you’ve done it again.

One of the biggest priorities for the Buffalo Bills this offseason was to extend cornerback Christian Benford. Now that it’s taken care of and the details of the deal are out, it can be properly evaluated.

The Bills’ general manager has had a knack for striking deals like these to manipulate the shaky team cap. From Josh Allen’s record-setting deal to Khalil Shakir’s extension, Buffalo has been able to take care of its guys without going broke.

A four-year, $76 million deal slots Benford at $19 million per season in average annual value. That figure is tied with Jaylon Johnson at 13th highest in the NFL. Spotrac projected Benford’s market value at $89.01 million for an AAV of $22.25 million. So Beane and the Bills front office were able to get a deal done for $3M AAV less than Benford's projected annual number.

Benford is one of the more productive corners in the NFL

All-Pros Patrick Surtain II and Derek Stingley Jr. also within those top-13 highest paid CBs, but the stats support that Benford is one of the more productive corners in the league.

An ascending CB entering his fourth NFL season, Benford is coming off a 2024 NFL season where he posted an 82.8 coverage grade according to PFF and allowed an 86.6 passer rating when targeted.

This move could be an absolute steal for the Bills in the long run. If Benford develops into a Pro Bowl or All-Pro player, he won’t be making a top-10 average annual salary at his position. Seeing how the former sixth-round pick has already outperformed his draft position, Benford has a shot to continue to improve and grow into a top CB in the league.

Congrats, Beane. Now let’s figure out the James Cook situation.

Buffalo Bills cornerback Christian Benford (47). / Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

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