Free agency preview: Never enough depth at cornerback for NFL teams
The Buffalo Bills have two presumed starting cornerbacks locked down for next season in Christian Benford and Maxwell Hairston. But depth at cornerback is still a question for Buffalo.
Editor's note: This is the 10th installment in a series previewing NFL free agency.
The two-day negotiating window has begun, and things are moving quickly. The official start of free agency is 4 p.m. Wednesday. But even before that, cornerbacks were making league-wide news.
A week ago, on Wednesday, the Los Angeles Rams traded for star cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs. Along the way, McDuffie became the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history – or he will officially once the league's new year begins this Wednesday. And the Rams weren’t done.
Bills defender Tre'Davious White, front, is seen Jan. 17 prior to playing the Broncos in Denver.
White set a career high in tackles for loss last season with six in 16 games. Harry Scull Jr., Buffalo News
On Monday, they agreed to terms on a three-year deal with cornerback Jaylen Watson, who is also coming from Kansas City. The overhaul of the cornerback room for the Rams is a reminder of how important the position is. And as the Rams go all in, other teams must catch up.
The Buffalo Bills have two presumed starting cornerbacks locked down for next season in Christian Benford and Maxwell Hairston. Benford signed a four-year contract extension in March 2025, and Hairston is coming off a rookie campaign where he was able to overcome an injury in training camp to make some valuable plays. On Monday, the Bills agreed to terms with cornerback Dee Alford on a three-year contract. Alford has played mostly in the slot in his four-year NFL career.
But depth at cornerback is still a question for Buffalo. Behind Benford and Hairston, the Bills currently have Dorian Strong, who is recovering from neck surgery, and last season’s practice squad members Te’Cory Couch Jr., MJ Devonshire, and Daryl Porter Jr. The Bills have seen how injuries can shake up the cornerback room in back-to-back postseasons.
The Bills released cornerback Dane Jackson ahead of free agency.
The team also will see a shift at nickel cornerback, as the Bills are working on a trade to send Taron Johnson to the Las Vegas Raiders, which can become official on Wednesday. With impending changes in the defensive scheme, Johnson’s future in Buffalo was questioned. The Bills relied heavily on the nickel position in the past, but that is subject to change under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, who will mix up his packages. Alford could carve out a role there, though it is likely the Bills will vary where he lines up.
Around the NFL, there’s already been some movement. The Titans are bringing in one of the top available free agents in former Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor. With the Saints, Taylor has been a pass breakup machine. He’s played in the slot and outside, providing a versatile resume.
The Steelers are bringing on Jamel Dean with a three-year deal. The Raiders are keeping Eric Stokes, also with a three-year deal. The Titans are signing Cor'Dale Flott from the Giants to a three-year deal. Josh Jobe will return to the Seahawks, and Greg Newsome II will head to the Giants. The pool is thinning out.
In-house: Tre’Davious White, Cam Lewis. Lewis backs up both safety and nickel cornerback, and he contributes on special teams, so he’s an interesting option. The Bills love White, which is part of the reason they brought him back this past season, and general manager Brandon Beane spoke highly of White at the combine. Still, Beane was noncommittal. “Yeah, love Tre’,” Beane said in February in Indianapolis. “I've seen him. He's still in town. He was in the building last weekend, and he was in there with his boys, went through a training thing. No, it was fun to have Tre’ back this season. We're still kind of combing through all those things, so I wouldn't want to forecast yay or nay. I think it's still early, but you love Tre'Davious for what he's been. It was cool to see him get back to what he wanted to be and what we all want to be for him.” White’s personality and leadership make him a strong veteran presence in the room if the two sides are able to make the money work.
Top of the heap still left: Riq Woolen, Nahshon Wright. Woolen and Wright both use their 6-foot-4 frames to their advantage. Penalties (nine last season, including playoffs) have been an issue for Woolen, but his explosive speed keeps him in the conversation. Wright’s five interceptions for Chicago last season helped him break out.
Under the radar: Kader Kohou. Kohou has been medically cleared to return, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, after he missed all of last season with an ACL injury. If he can return to form, he could be a steal for a team in need.