The Buffalo Bills' injuries at cornerback and lack of depth have cost them in recent seasons. Limited availability, and drought of mid-level talent to replace starters, has been a burden. It's no surprise the Bills moved on from players like the often injured Taron Johnson and spent two draft picks on corners who likely don't start.
The need is there, and the market is expensive. Now, training camp is upon us, and the roster begins to shake out. What does the cornerback room look like as things get underway?
Name | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
Christian Benford | 6-1 | 205 |
Dee Alford | 5-11 | 180 |
Maxwell Hairston | 5-11 | 195 |
Davison Igbinosun | 6-2 | 193 |
MJ Devonshire Jr. | 5-11 | 186 |
Daryl Porter Jr. | 5-11 | 184 |
Te'Cory Couch | 5-10 | 185 |
Toriano Pride Jr. | 5-10 | 195 |
Dorian Strong | 6-1 | 185 |
Christian Benford
There are two obvious spots in this cornerback room. Christian Benford as CB1, playing every snap outside, is guaranteed. He's indisputably the most consistent and effective DB on the Bills roster.
There is no question here. Onto the next.
Dee Alford
The other spot is nearly as obvious as the first. Many fans may not be familiar with Dee Alford, but they will be. When the Bills got into free agency, they started out by signing Alford to a three-year deal worth $15.75m. A true nickel cornerback, he's replacing Taron Johnson in a one-for-one move. Dee may come off the field in jumbo packages, but he's a starter.
Alford's story is great, with a Grey Cup winning-season in the CFL before making the NFL as a UDFA veteran. He does offer inside-outside versatility, but the Bills expect to play a lot of nickel again in 2026, and Alford is best inside.
Maxwell Hairston
The roster gets tricky from here on out. Maxwell Hairston isn't a bad player, but he's unproven. Having started and ended his rookie season injured, Hairston wasn't able to showcase his full repertoire. With another offseason underway, he'll be the frontrunner for the CB2 spot. Though he's a lock to be rostered, he will have a lot of work to do in camp if he intends to win a full-time role.
His speed is unbeaten on the roster, but there are issues with his hands and coverage skills that require work. When Hairston gets it right, he's tough to beat, but he's not perfect. For that reason, his starting job isn't safe.
Davison Igbinosun
If there was cause to make Maxwell Hairston sweat, it's name would be Davison Igbinosun. The rookie cornerback was a surprise pick, and one that disappointed many Bills fans. It has nothing to do with the player Igbinosun is, and everything to do with asset allocation. CB2 simply wasn't the need, with guard, linebacker, and receiver all unaddressed at that point.
But football is not played on a spreadsheet, and Igbinosun has a path to start this season. Where Hairston wins with speed and position, Igbinosun wins with power and length. Having the two of them on the roster diversifies the Bills defense, allowing them to specialize their game plan to whatever offense they face. He and Hairston will compete for the CB2 job every week; It's a position battle that will last all season, and into 2027.
Te'Cory Couch
One of the main differences between 2025 and 2026 is the lack of 'McDermott guys' that were so prevalent in previous years. There were players that former head coach Sean McDermott leaned on who are no longer around. Instead, new DC Jim Leonhard will need to find his own players. Te'Cory Couch should be one of them.
Young, cheap, and highly mobile, Couch is a natural coverage fit. He should fit in seamlessly, and his positional versatility and roster familiarity make him an easy pick.
Toriano Pride Jr.
This Bills' seventh-round selection this season was a good one. Tragically for Toriano Pride Jr, he doesn't get on the field much as a rookie. He's a good young CB who excels in zone coverage and is surprisingly physical for his size. He just doesn't have anywhere to go just yet, but could be in a more significant position next offseason. If Pride manages to stay competitive at camp, he's rostered, getting the chance to try again next season.
Daryl Porter Jr.
The son of former Bills CB Daryl Porter, Porter Jr. offers a lot as cornerback depth. The 2025 UDFA has great physical traits and the natural athleticism needed to make an impact on special teams. Porter is an outside shot to make the roster, but if his energy shows up in camp he could pull it off.
Injured Reserve: Dorian Strong
Dorian Strong is a great young player, but his neck injury issue is severe. If he is able to get back on the field, it probably won't be until the 2027 season, or late in 2026. The Bills do right by their players most of the time, so expect him to hit the reserve even if he doesn't play again.
Cut: MJ Devonshire Jr.
*Update: Devonshire was waived by the Bills and claimed by the Green Bay Packers per Tom Pelissero.*
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