It took a little bit of time once the tampering period opened up, but the Buffalo Bills managed to get on the free agency board by agreeing to terms with cornerback Dee Alford on a three-year deal that is worth up to $21 million and he gets $10.12 million guaranteed, per Jeremy Fowler from ESPN.
Corner Dee Alford plans to sign with the Bills for three years worth up to $21M with $10.12M guaranteed, per source.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 9, 2026
Buffalo and @SPORTSTARSNYC reached agreement today.
Alford has been in Atlanta the last four seasons and is coming off a great 2025 season where recorded a career-high 3 interceptions (mainly in the slot) as well as 13 pass deflections. Alford comes to the new-look Bills that will be led by Jim Leonhard on defense. The signing of Alford means more than fans may think.
Bills signing Dee Alford is start of secondary rebuild
When it was announced that Sean McDermott was out as the head coach of the Bills back in January, one of the first thoughts that came to mind was there was going to be a different defense in Buffalo. With Jim Leonhard being hired by Joe Brady as the defensive coordinator, Leonhard’s defense presented to be much different than McDermott’s. However, he still needed playmakers.
Alford is a good start because he not only became Taron Johnson’s replacement, but Buffalo’s secondary had some losses. They traded Johnson to Las Vegas, released Dane Jackson, and are more than likely not bringing back Tre’Davious White and/or Cam Lewis. In addition, the Bills also released safety Taylor Rapp. Long story short, Buffalo's secondary is going to look a lot different in 2026.
Christian Benford and Maxwell Hairston should be Buffalo’s 1-2 corner punch. However, Alford brings in similar size and early-on production just like Johnson did. Adding him to the mix starts the rebuild of this secondary for Leonhard.
Alford is just 28 years old and is in his prime. In Week 6 last season against the Bills, Alford had 6 total tackles as well as a sack and interception. Atlanta’s defense completely shut down the Bills’ offense and it made life difficult for Josh Allen. Now, Buffalo gets a piece of that defense that not only has a great amount of talent, but could be the start to a solid rebuild under Leonhard.
Alford is a good first signing for the Bills but we know that they have more work to do to fill out this roster. One thing to also keep in mind is that Buffalo most likely won’t go with a corner early on in the draft now that they have Benford, Hairston, and Alford as their top three corners.