2022 schedule could force Buffalo Bills to add veteran cornerback

One of the big questions for the Buffalo Bills entering the 2022 season is at cornerback and their schedule this year could force the team to sign a veteran cornerback

The Buffalo Bills used their first round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft on Kaiir Elam out of the University of Florida. This was the first time they have used a first round pick on the position since drafting Tre’Davious White in the 2017 NFL Draft.

In the coming years, Elam and White have the potential to be one of the better starting cornerback duos in the NFL. However, entering the 2022 season there are some questions about the position and with how the schedule sets up, it could force the Buffalo Bills to look at adding a veteran cornerback.

Buffalo Bills’ secondary will be tested early in the season

The Buffalo Bills passing defense will likely be tested very early in the season, starting with the first game of the season against the Los Angeles Rams. They won’t have Odell Beckham Jr. but Matthew Stafford will still have Cooper Kupp and the Rams also added wide receiver Allen Robinson this offseason.

This was one of the best passing attacks in the NFL and they shouldn’t take a step backward this coming season.

Then in Week 3, the Bills will be tasked with slowing down arguably the fastest wide receiver duo in the league in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Two weeks after the Dolphins game, the Bills face the Steelers who have a good trio of wide receivers with Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool and rookie George Pickens.

After the Steelers game, the Bills travel to Kansas City to face Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.

These four games present some big challenges for the Bills’ defense, especially if Tre’Davious White is not ready to start the season or still not at 100%. The former All-Pro cornerback is working his way back from a torn ACL and the Buffalo Bills have been hesitant to give any type of timetable.

During last month’s NFL Draft, Brandon Beane did say that he was hopeful that White would be back for the start of the season.

However, if he is not then the Buffalo Bills will turn to Elam and Dane Jackson, who stepped into the starting lineup last year after White’s injury. This could be a big risk for the Buffalo Bills heading into the season if these are the starters with the offenses they have on the schedule early.

That’s why the Buffalo Bills should look to add a veteran at the position as insurance if Tre’Davious White is not ready to start the season, or even split some time as they work him back to being fully recovered. It also gives them another option if Kaiir Elam is not ready to be a starter for this defense early as a rookie.

If this is the direction they were to take, it wouldn’t make sense to add someone like Joe Haden as he should be able to find a full-time starting position and the Buffalo Bills are not in the position to offer that.

However, someone like Xavier Rhodes could be a great option as he is an older player but has shown he can still start and play well if needed. He could help bring experience to the position early in the season and once Tre’Davious White gets back, be a great depth player the remainder of the season.

The Buffalo Bills have not rushed to make a move at this position and are likely monitoring Tre’Davious White’s recovery. However, after seeing the first part of the schedule, the front office should be looking to add some experience to solidify the position.