The Buffalo Bills have signed starting cornerback Benford to a four-year, $76 million extension, solidifying his position as the 13th-highest paid cornerback in the NFL. Benford has been one of the most underrated players in the league over the past four seasons, and this extension reflects the team’s recognition of his value. His consistent performance has helped elevate the Bills’ defense, making him a crucial part of the team’s future.
General Manager Brandon Beane deserves credit for orchestrating the deal, especially given the Bills’ limited salary cap space. Beane was able to creatively structure the extension, ensuring that Benford remained with the team while still leaving room to address other roster needs. This move highlights Beane’s ability to balance the team’s financial constraints with its long-term goals.
However, much of the credit for the extension should also go to quarterback Josh Allen. Allen’s contract extension, which now averages $55 million per year, played a pivotal role in giving the Bills the cap flexibility needed to sign Benford. Allen’s deal helped create the necessary space to lock up Benford, as well as other key players, without jeopardizing the team’s financial future.
In discussing his own extension, Allen acknowledged the impact it would have on the team’s salary cap. He noted that, while his new contract wouldn’t change his lifestyle, it allowed the team to re-sign important players and continue building a competitive roster. Allen’s willingness to take a creative deal showed his understanding of how crucial cap space is for the Bills’ success in the coming years.
Allen’s extension not only helped the Bills retain key players like Benford but also ensured that other rising stars, such as Greg Rousseau and Terrel Bernard, could be brought back. His leadership and sacrifice underscore his commitment to the team’s long-term success. By making such a strategic move, Allen demonstrated that he’s not just focused on his own financial gain but also on ensuring that the Bills remain competitive in the NFL.
