Bills Extend Benford on a Four-Year Deal

The Buffalo Bills have made a long-standing commitment to their homegrown talent in recent years, firmly establishing their philosophy of extending key draft picks to secure their future. This trend continues as the team has decided to lock up cornerback Christian Benford with a significant four-year, $76 million contract extension. At just 24 years old, Benford was entering the final year of his rookie deal, and this new agreement ensures he will remain with the franchise through the 2029 season. The contract is not just substantial in its base value; it also includes up to $5 million in performance-based incentives and as much as $2 million in escalators, adding further stakes to his performance on the field.

Under the terms of this deal, Benford has a structured incentive plan that allows him to earn up to $1 million each year. This incentive structure includes $400,000 for recording four interceptions, $650,000 for five interceptions, and a full $1 million for achieving six interceptions. Additionally, should he earn a first-team All-Pro designation in any of the years from 2025 to 2028, he will receive an extra $500,000 in salary for the duration of 2026 through 2029. Such rewards not only highlight the team's belief in Benford's abilities but also place a clear emphasis on high performance and excellence.

The sixth-round pick from Villanova has become a cornerstone of the Bills' defense, marking a substantial turnaround for a player who was initially a late-round selection. He becomes the third member of the Bills' 2022 draft class to sign a four-year extension this offseason, joining wide receiver Khalil Shakir and linebacker Terrel Bernard.

Benford has established himself as a starter for the team over the past two seasons. He started five games during his rookie year as the Bills navigated their starting lineup but truly emerged in 2024, evolving into the team’s No. 1 outside cornerback. In his three seasons with the franchise, Benford has accumulated 34 regular-season starts, showcasing his prowess with 5 interceptions, 25 passes defensed, 4 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries.

The average annual value of his new deal places him tied for 13th among cornerbacks, which reflects how his efforts on the field have earned him a competitive position in the league. Overall, the Bills' commitment to Benford underscores a pivotal investment in a player who has proven himself and illustrates the team's broader vision of building a formidable roster through its own drafted talent.