Editor’s note: This is the third in a series examining the Buffalo Bills’ free agent possibilities at key positions. Today’s installment looks at cornerbacks.
The Buffalo Bills only have one free agent cornerback, but he’s a notable one – starter Rasul Douglas.
Douglas, 30, joined the Bills midway through the 2023 season and made an impact right away. His 2024 season saw a slight dip in some areas of production – notably that he was held without an interception after having made four picks in nine games with the Bills the previous season. Still, Douglas’ overall body of work will get him some looks around the NFL.
Douglas’ rapport and close friendship with Bills cornerback Christian Benford has made the duo stronger on the field as well. They often are the last two players out at practice, going over and over their duties. Benford, 24, has developed strongly with the Bills and is coming off his best season.
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If Douglas is to walk – which may be the financial outcome here – the Bills don’t have much depth in-house. Kaiir Elam has yet to pan out for the Bills the way general manager Brandon Beane expected when he traded up to take Elam in the first round of the 2022 draft.
With some veteran players available in free agency, the Bills might be in the mix for some short-term deals.
Here is a look at cornerbacks scheduled to be available in free agency, or possibly in the trade market.
Trade market: Jaire Alexander is available via trade with the Green Bay Packers, if they’re able to find a partner. The two-time All-Pro corner seems to be trending out of Green Bay, whether by trade or eventual release.
Cooper
Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper makes a catch against Jets cornerback D.J. Reed during a game at Highmark Stadium on Dec. 29. Derek Gee, Buffalo News
Top of the heap: D.J. Reed (New York Jets) heads into next week as Pro Football Focus’ top-ranked free-agent cornerback. Per PFF’s advanced metrics, he logged a 51.28% lockdown percentage. Reed, 28, did not have an interception last season, but he gave up just two passing touchdowns.
Charvarius Ward had to deal with the death of his daughter this season and is looking for a fresh start away from the San Francisco 49ers. Ward, 29, also has spent time with Kansas City. He’s physical and aggressive, and his 2024 season numbers come with greater context of life off the field.
Carlton Davis, 29, is coming off a solid season with the Lions that was cut short. Davis broke his jaw while playing against the Bills in Week 15 and missed the remainder of the season.
Names to know: Byron Murphy tallied six interceptions for the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, a career high and tied for the most among cornerbacks in the league. Murphy, 27, is versatile, and defensive coordinator Brian Flores put his array of skills to use.
At 25, Asante Samuel Jr. is one of the younger options. He needs to improve his tackling, which could be a concern for Buffalo. Samuel played just four games last season with the Los Angeles Chargers and went on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. His ability to make splash plays could earn him a prove-it deal.
Hailing from across the division, Jonathan Jones is set to become a free agent after nine seasons with the New England Patriots. Jones, 32, did not have his best year in 2024, working at a lower snap count. He could still bring a veteran boost to a younger cornerbacks room somewhere around the league.
Under-the-radar options: Fresh off a win in Super Bowl LIX, Darius Slay was released by the Eagles this week. Slay, 34, has spent five seasons in Philadelphia and seven with Detroit. His age is a factor, which puts him under the radar as the Bills are likely to lean younger, but Slay had a strong 2024 campaign.
Lastly, how does a reunion sound? Tre’Davious White and Stephon Gilmore are available. The Bills aren’t likely to repeat history here. But they’re worth noting and watching where they end up for a pulse on the market overall.
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