REPORT: Bills to Sign Ideal Rising Free Agent Cornerback in Key Defensive Upgrade
The Buffalo Bills need to address their cornerback situation. Over a week has passed since the NFL’s new league year began, and while free agency was eventful, teams still have key roster moves to make before the season starts. Buffalo made significant defensive acquisitions in free agency but still has gaps to fill.
One major concern is the cornerback position. The Bills allowed Rasul Douglas to leave in free agency (though he remains unsigned) and traded Kaiir Elam— a move that earned GM Brandon Beane credit for securing draft capital in return.
Currently, the team has yet to extend standout corner Christian Benford with a long-term deal and lacks a reliable CB2 to pair with him. Beane must either sign a proven free agent or select a cornerback in the upcoming draft. While Douglas remains available, his projected $11.9 million market value—compared to Buffalo’s current $3.9 million cap space—makes a reunion unlikely.
Even if Douglas doesn’t return, there is another free-agent cornerback who could be a strong fit for the Bills.
Bills listed as perfect match for CB Asante Samuel Jr.
CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin recently highlighted the top ten ideal team fits for remaining veteran free agents, and he identified Asante Samuel Jr. as a perfect match for the Buffalo Bills.
Buffalo still has a need at cornerback after allowing Rasul Douglas to enter free agency, and Asante Samuel Jr. is one of the few available veterans with the ball-hawking ability to replace Douglas’ impact. Additionally, Bills head coach Sean McDermott previously coached Samuel’s father while serving as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator.
Right away, there’s a clear connection between Asante Samuel Jr.’s father and Bills head coach Sean McDermott. On top of that, Samuel Jr. is a 25-year-old cornerback who had a strong three-year run with the Los Angeles Chargers before a shoulder injury sidelined him for most of last season. Before the injury, he averaged two interceptions per season and allowed just a 59.5% completion rate in coverage.
It’s surprising that Samuel Jr. remains unsigned, but this presents a great opportunity for Buffalo. The Bills could bring him in while still using one of their top three draft picks on a cornerback to add competition and depth. This move seems like an easy decision for GM Brandon Beane.