The Buffalo Bills have made several notable moves in free agency this offseason, but one of the ongoing concerns for the front office is extending contracts for some of the team’s younger players. According to Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus (PFF), the Bills are among the top four teams with multiple players due for significant contract extensions. The first on the list is cornerback Christian Benford, entering his fourth season with Buffalo. Benford, who has been a standout performer in the Bills’ secondary, finished last season ranked sixth in both wins above replacement and PFF’s overall grade for cornerbacks. The 24-year-old’s impressive stats include a career-high 64 tackles, two interceptions, 10 pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. Despite his strong performance, Benford’s final year of his rookie contract will only cost the Bills $3.4 million.
The other player on the list is running back James Cook, who has been vocal about his desire for a new contract. Cook, who posted career-high numbers last season, is expected to earn at least $10 million per year on his next deal. He was ranked eighth in PFF’s rushing grade (88.6) and 12th in missed tackles forced (47) last season. Cook, a Pro Bowl selection for two consecutive years, has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of those seasons and recorded a career-high 16 rushing touchdowns in 2024.
