The Buffalo Bills are entering the 2025 season with a gap in their secondary following the departure of starting cornerback Rasul Douglas, who became a free agent after starting 15 games in 2024. As a result, the Bills may look to the trade market to fill the void by acquiring a veteran cornerback.
One potential target is Jamel Dean, a cornerback from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. NFL analyst Moe Moton proposed the Bills could secure Dean for a relatively low cost, offering a 2025 fifth-round pick in exchange for the 28-year-old. Dean, who signed a four-year, $52 million extension in 2023, has underperformed since the deal, posting just one interception and 11 pass breakups over the last two seasons. Additionally, he allowed passer ratings of 111 and 91.2 in 2023 and 2024, respectively, and missed nine games during that time. Moton noted that with Tampa Bay potentially targeting a cornerback in the draft, Dean could be available for a playoff-contending team in need of secondary help.
To address their secondary, the Bills recently re-signed cornerback Dane Jackson, who had a four-season stint in Buffalo before leaving for free agency. While Jackson provides depth, he is unlikely to compete for a starting role. He is expected to replace Kaiir Elam, who was traded to the Dallas Cowboys earlier this month after struggling in Buffalo.
The Bills also have a key decision to make regarding standout cornerback Christian Benford, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2022 draft. Benford has emerged as one of the league’s top cornerbacks, and the team is in negotiations to extend his contract. General manager Brandon Beane emphasized the Bills’ focus on developing homegrown talent and retaining them long term.
In recent weeks, the Bills have secured extensions for other players, such as defensive end Greg Rousseau, who received a four-year, $80 million deal, and quarterback Josh Allen, who signed a historic $330 million extension through the 2030 season.
