The Buffalo Bills have finally taken care of business involving rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston, as they have now officially signed Hairston to his four-year rookie deal worth $15.2 million according to Ian Rapoport and Bills PR team. In addition to the signing of Hairston, the Bills have also agreed to terms with Hairston's college teammate, Deone Walker.
The #Bills signed CB Maxwell Hairston to his 4-year, $15.2M contract. https://t.co/KPlYEu5I7E
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 13, 2025
With Hairston and Walker now under contract, the only rookie that remains unsigned on the Bills is 2nd round draft selection T.J. Sanders. The Bills traded up 15 spots to acquire Sanders in the 2nd round so they clearly see something valuable in him. Now they just need to take care of the paperwork up in the front office.
Hairston was one of the few remaining first round picks who were unsigned. Before he signed, he along with Travis Hunter (Jacksonville), Shemar Stewart (Cincinnati), and Jahdae Barron (Denver) were the only ones who have not signed their contracts. Out of all those names, Stewart’s situation in Cincinnati is the most fascinating one (unless you’re a Bengals fan).
Bills take care of business with their first-round rookie, unlike Cincinnati
Let’s not forget, the Bills and Bengals are set to face off against each other this season in December and there is a very good chance that the Bengals will not have either of their expected starting pass rushers in Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart.
Both players are fighting with the front office about their respective contract situations. However, when it comes to Stewart, there are many ways that this could play out. Stewart could sit out the entire season and possibly re-enter the 2026 NFL Draft if he doesn’t sign with the Bengals at all this coming summer and season. Or maybe, the Bengals can find a way to figure this dispute out and put the drama behind them.
The ongoing situation is all about the language that is in the proposed contract. Stewart has said that he wants to have the same kind of contract that prior Bengals draft picks have received.
Either way, it was smart for the Bills to get this move out of the way and focus on the development of Hairston throughout his rookie contract in Buffalo. Now, they just need to find a way to get Sanders under contract and then the entire Bills’ 2025 draft class will have been signed and Beane can move forward on other agenda topics.