Buffalo Bills Lock in Cornerback Christian Benford with Four-Year Deal

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills have secured a long-term deal with cornerback Christian Benford, agreeing to a four-year, $76 million contract extension on Saturday, a source familiar with the negotiations confirmed to The Associated Press.

The 24-year-old Benford was entering the final year of his rookie contract after being drafted in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft from Villanova. This extension will keep him under contract through the 2029 season, further bolstering the Bills’ commitment to retain young talent.

Benford’s agents, Hadley Engelhard and Jim Ulrich of EnterSports Management, were the first to report the agreement, which comes as the Bills prioritize signing their own drafted players to long-term contracts. General manager Brandon Beane emphasized this strategy, stating, “draft, develop, and re-sign,” as essential for team growth.

Since winning the starting job at the beginning of his second season, Benford has established himself as a key player on the defense, recording 34 regular-season starts over three seasons. He registered a career-high 64 combined tackles and contributed two interceptions and two forced fumbles in the most recent season alone.

“I’m excited that Christian will be back this season,” Beane said earlier. “Especially knowing we’re a bit thin at the position right now, it’s important to keep players we’ve invested in.”

Benford joins several other members of the Bills’ 2022 draft class who have also received extensions this offseason, including linebacker Terrel Bernard and wide receiver Khalil Shakir. The team has been proactive in extending its roster while ensuring that key players remain under contract.

“It’s gratifying to see the team recognize my contributions and invest in my future,” Benford said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to what we can accomplish together in the upcoming seasons.”

With the extension final, the Bills now face a pressing question regarding their depth chart at cornerback, as the team is working to fill the void created by the recent trade of 2022 first-round pick Kaiir Elam. The Bills currently lack a clear starter opposite Benford ahead of the upcoming draft.

Benford’s remarkable performance has not gone unnoticed, as he earned recognition with strong ratings in coverage and tackling, ranking among the top cornerbacks by Pro Football Focus in various categories. His skills will be critical for the Bills as they aim for continued success in the upcoming NFL season.