Cornerback isn't explicitly a position of need for the Buffalo Bills, but the team doesn't have a clear answer across from the newly-extended Christian Benford. Tre'Davious White, fan-favorite and former All-Pro, was the clear leader of the battle for the second cornerback spot.
Unfortunately, Tre White left practice on Thursday with an injury, and was seen leaving the stadium on a cart. First-round draft pick Maxwell Hairston is also dealing with an injury, and has missed a large portion of the offseason.
The team has an assortment of veterans and rookies battling for the second starting spot, but if Hairston or White fail to be ready for Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens, they may need help. Even in the unlikely event they're both ready, outside options may be the solution. These four veteran free agents could offer the Buffalo Bills an alternative at cornerback.
4 veteran cornerbacks Bills should consider bringing ahead of Week 1
Rasul Douglas
We'll start with the obvious choice. Rasul Douglas was the starting cornerback for the Bills for the last season-and-a-half; A plus-starter for most of that time. The Bills made it clear they wanted to trend in a younger and/or cheaper direction for 2025 and beyond, and so they said goodbye. Douglas was neither a source of drama or a major flaw in the defense, just an expense. Moving on was arguably the right choice at the time, but things change.
Buffalo finds itself on uneven ground, and a familiar face could be ideal to help keep them afloat. Any worries about being ready for the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1 would be calmed somewhat with Rasul Douglas back on the roster.
James Bradberry
James Bradberry was one of the league's premier veteran corners just 12 short months ago. Unsatisfied with ending his season on the injured reserve as his teammates won a Super Bowl, he remains hungry.
The former All-Pro and unwitting Super Bowl champion visited the Buffalo Bills back in April, showing at least passing interest by both sides. If a deal gets done, James Bradberry should be a quick study; Sean McDermott was his defensive coordinator on the Carolina Panthers.
Stephon Gilmore
Perhaps an unlikely pairing, it could also be an ideal one. Stephon Gilmore got his start on the Buffalo Bills in 2012, when the first-round pick inked his rookie contract. Now, after a tumultuous, remarkable, and success-filled career, he could come home to try and win one more Super Bowl. He's not done yet. With five Pro Bowls, two First-Team All-Pros, and a Defensive Player of the Year award won narrowly over current Bills Tre White, Gilmore has all the makings of a Hall of Fame player.
Stephon Gilmore is not the player of old, but he's proven himself to still have value. A one-year deal won't break the bank for Buffalo, but will help them battle a tough stretch of the season until help arrives, or the rookies work their way into the starting lineup.
The biggest issue on a deal like this one would be finding a happy ground between Stephon Gilmore himself and the people of Buffalo. The fans turned on him after signing with the division-rival New England Patriots in 2017.
Asante Samuel Jr.
Though Asante Samuel Jr. may have burned bridges in some phases of his offseason, he is still very much a hot commodity. Possibly the best CB on the market, Samuel brings top-end traits and a history of ball-hawking to the table.
If any players on the market are set to be actual major improvements to the Bills' secondary, Samuel is certainly one of them. The only reason he's still available is his health.
By far the youngest option on this list at 26 years old, Asante Samuel Jr. is undoubtedly looking for something more than a one-year commitment. At this point in the year, he may have to settle for a prove-it deal to earn that major contract on next season's market.
Samuel's play has given him the prestige of a starting cornerback, but his shoulder injury and missed season makes him tough to buy into. This opportunity with Buffalo might be exactly what he needs to get back into the limelight. That is, of course, if he's ready to go.