The Buffalo Bills have not overspent on acquiring new players this offseason, yet they’ve made significant moves to secure their current talent. Recently, they announced a four-year, $76 million extension for cornerback Christian Benford, as reported by ESPN. This contract means Benford will receive an average of $19 million annually, placing him among the top 12 highest-paid cornerbacks in the league.

Benford, who was due to enter the final year of his rookie contract, made a notable impact last season by starting 15 games, contributing to a strong defensive lineup. His impressive performance earned him a solid pass coverage grade, ranking him sixth among all cornerbacks.

Drafted in the sixth round by Buffalo out of Villanova in 2022, Benford’s rookie season was limited to nine games, but he quickly established himself as a crucial part of the defense over the last two seasons, consistently logging multiple interceptions and pass breakups, and gaining votes for Defensive Player of the Year.

Additionally, this extension helps mitigate the effects of losing veteran cornerback Rasul Douglas in free agency, aligning with the Bills’ strategy of rewarding key players with new, lucrative contracts as they aim for continued success.