Christian Benford Lands 76 Million Extension as Bills Secure Star Cornerback

The Buffalo Bills have made their priorities clear this offseason—and on Saturday, they doubled down again. The team is keeping one of its rising stars in town for the long haul, agreeing to a four-year, $76 million extension with cornerback Christian Benford.

The 24-year-old, who was entering the final season of his rookie contract, now has his future locked in through 2029. The deal, confirmed by his agents Hadley Engelhard and Jim Ulrich, is a major milestone in Benford’s journey from overlooked draft pick to a foundational piece of Buffalo’s defense.

It’s also the latest example of the Bills sticking to their “draft, develop, and re-sign” philosophy—a mantra that general manager Brandon Beane continues to preach and practice.

“We’ve always said it. We want to keep the guys we draft if they prove they belong,” Beane said earlier this month. “Christian’s one of those guys. He earned this.”

From Sixth-Round Pick to CB1

Benford’s story is the kind every underdog loves to see. Coming out of Villanova, he wasn’t on many radars. Most teams saw him as a depth piece at best. But Buffalo saw more. They took a chance in the sixth round of the 2022 draft—and it didn’t take long for that pick to start paying off.

Benford saw the field almost immediately. He started five games as a rookie, battling for playing time in a crowded cornerback room. But by 2024, there was no question—Benford had worked his way into being the team’s No. 1 outside corner.

In three seasons, he’s racked up 34 regular-season starts, along with five interceptions, 25 pass breakups, four forced fumbles, and two recoveries. More than just the stats, though, Benford brings energy, confidence, and a physical presence on the field. He’s not just filling a role—he’s setting a tone.

A Deal That Makes Sense for Both Sides

The $76 million extension comes with an average of $19 million per year, putting Benford in the top 15 for cornerback salaries league-wide. That number reflects his current value and the potential Buffalo sees in his future.

For the Bills, it’s a smart move. If Benford continues to improve the way he has, this deal could end up being a steal. For Benford, it’s a well-earned reward—a financial and personal validation that all the hard work, from college to now, was worth it.

He’s part of a growing list of homegrown Bills players who have signed extensions this offseason. Receiver Khalil Shakir and linebacker Terrel Bernard—both fellow 2022 draft picks—also signed new four-year deals. Defensive end Greg Rousseau got extended, too. And of course, Josh Allen’s six-year contract was a major part of the team’s early offseason moves.

The message? Buffalo believes in its own. And if you produce in this system, you’ll get taken care of.

Source: Bills, CB Christian Benford agree to four-year, $76M extension

Secondary in Flux, But Benford Is the Anchor

Benford’s extension gives Buffalo some much-needed clarity at a position that’s seen a lot of movement recently. Veteran Rasul Douglas hit free agency and won’t be returning. Former first-rounder Kaiir Elam was traded to Dallas. That leaves Benford as the only clear-cut starter at outside corner.

Dane Jackson is back, providing depth and familiarity, but expect the Bills to target another corner early in the upcoming draft. Even with Benford locked in, they’ll need more help in that secondary to keep up with the high-powered offenses across the AFC.

Still, the most important piece is now in place. Benford gives the defense a steady presence, a guy who can line up across from an opposing team’s top receiver and hold his own.

Staying True to the Plan

The Bills aren’t reinventing the wheel here. They’ve had this blueprint for a while: Draft players who fit their culture, develop them the right way, and reward them when they prove they belong.

It’s not the flashiest approach. Buffalo hasn’t been making the splashy free-agent headlines this offseason. But internally? They’ve been doing work—quietly locking up core players, one after the other.

It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes building that can keep a team competitive for years. Stability matters, especially when you’re trying to win in a league built on parity. And the more continuity Buffalo can maintain, the better chance they’ll have to finally break through and make that Super Bowl run.

Benford’s deal is part of that bigger vision. He’s not just a good corner—he’s the kind of guy they want in the locker room, in practice, and on the field in crunch time.

What Comes Next

With Benford’s future secured, attention now turns to the draft—and to one big name that still hasn’t signed an extension: James Cook.

The former second-round running back had some big moments in 2024 and is nearing that point in his rookie deal where contract talks start to heat up. Will Buffalo make the same kind of long-term investment in him? Time will tell. The running back market is tricky, and Beane will need to weigh the cost against the system they’ve built.

For now, though, Bills fans can take comfort in knowing their top corner is sticking around. Benford’s journey from Villanova to Buffalo to the big payday is one of those rare stories in sports where hard work and loyalty actually pay off.

And for a team trying to build something sustainable, he’s exactly the kind of player you want leading the charge.

Read More: Ryan vs Mayer II: Sandy Ryan Promises Victory and Trilogy Showdown