Free Agency Additions: The Cornerback and Safety Positions
Like I did with the defensive line, in this blog, I will cover the signings that the Bills made at the Cornerback and Safety positions, along with some players that are still available that Buffalo could be targeting in the second wave of free agency.
The Bills currently have six cornerbacks under contract after the trade of Kaiir Elam and the expiring contract of Rasul Douglas this offseason. Christian Benford and Taron Johnson are the only returning starters, along with backups Ja'Marcus Ingram, Brandon Codrington, and Daequan Hardy. Codrington was the primary return man for the Bills last season and saw limited action on defense. Hardy was on the practice squad and did not see playing time during the regular season. With one depth addition made via free agency, the Bills need to add at least two more cornerbacks, preferably a veteran in free agency and a rookie with one of their first three selections in the upcoming draft.
At safety, Buffalo is returning starters Damar Hamlin and Taylor Rapp from last season, along with 2024 second-round pick Cole Bishop and backup Cam Lewis. Damar Hamlin’s story is remarkable, but I, like most, view him as a backup and spot starter more than your everyday starting safety in the NFL. Ideally, Bishop is ready to take a leap heading into his second year and move into the starting role alongside Rapp. If not, I believe the Bills signed their insurance policy this offseason and will not need to draft a safety as early as they did last year.
New Arrivals
Dane Jackson - Jackson returns to the Bills after spending the 2024 season with the Carolina Panthers. This signing seemed inevitable as free agency progressed, and it’s a good signing if you look at it for what it is. Depth. He is not being brought in to be CB2. The Bills’ coaching staff know what they are getting with Jackson. That level of comfortability is essential as they continue to revamp the roster, particularly the secondary behind Christian Benford.
Darrick Forrest - Forrest is an interesting signing. In 2022, he played in all 17 games while starting 11, finishing second on the team with 88 total tackles. In 2023, he injured his shoulder five games into the season and missed the rest on IR. The offseason coaching change brought a new philosophy, and his role changed from starting safety to reserve, healthy scratch some weeks. I view this as a player being brought in to compete for a starting role and to push Cole Bishop for the opportunity to start with Taylor Rapp. If Bishop is the starter, Forrest’s versatility and experience are good to have in case of injury.
Still Available
Chidobe Awuzie - Injuries and a new regime in Tennessee led to Awuzie’s release one year into his 3-year/$36 million contract signed last offseason. This may be a more expensive option for the Bills and not a long-term solution for the CB2 role. Awuzie has excelled in zone schemes but can play both zone and man-to-man defense.
Caleb Farley - Farley is a former first-round pick whose career in Tennessee was derailed by injuries. He was released in training camp last year before joining the Carolina Panthers practice squad in October and suiting up for nine games at the end of the season. This would be a reclamation project to compete in training camp with boom or bust potential but a very low cost for the Bills. I would only advocate for Farley if the Bills use an early pick on a corner in the draft who can start immediately.
Shaquill Griffin - Griffin is a low-cost veteran option that could slide into the CB2 role if the Bills draft a corner in this year’s draft that isn’t ready to start at the beginning of the season. Griffin has bounced around since leaving Seattle in free agency, playing for four teams in the past three seasons. He is a good tackler with strong coverage skills, particularly on deep routes. On a one-year deal, his price should be in the $4-6 million AAV range.
Asante Samuel Jr. - Samuel is coming off a shoulder injury that limited his 2024 season to only four games. There is speculation that this injury will be a problem for the remainder of his career, which is a cause for concern for any teams looking to add the young corner. Samuel has good ball skills and experience in zone and man coverage, which seems to be where the Bills’ secondary is heading. If healthy, signing Samuel and extending Benford would give the Bills their best CB duo on paper since McDermott became the head coach.
