Baltimore, Fr – April 18, 2025
The Buffalo Bills are making waves ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, reportedly signing a veteran defensive star to a one-year deal worth up to $6.8 million, according to sources. The move marks a stunning return for the former All-Pro, who spent one season away from Buffalo before rejoining the team that drafted him.
This cornerstone defender, a 2017 first-round pick, starred for the Bills from 2017 to 2023, earning Pro Bowl honors twice and an All-Pro nod in 2019. Injuries limited him to 21 games from 2021 to 2023, prompting his departure in 2024. Last season, he signed a one-year, $4.25 million deal with the Los Angeles Rams but struggled, allowing four touchdowns in coverage.
Midseason, the Rams traded him to the Baltimore Ravens along with a 2027 seventh-round pick for a 2026 seventh-rounder. His stint in Baltimore was brief, with limited snaps due to a crowded secondary. Now, his return to Buffalo fills a critical void left by Rasul Douglas’s free-agency exit, strengthening the Bills’ cornerback corps.
Under coach Sean McDermott, the Bills rely on a robust secondary to counter AFC passers like Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow. The veteran’s experience, with 18 career interceptions and 69 passes defended, offers stability alongside Christian Benford and Taron Johnson. His familiarity with McDermott’s scheme ensures a seamless fit.
The Bills’ defense ranked 10th in passing yards allowed in 2024, but Douglas’s departure exposed depth issues. This signing, finalized before the April 24-26 draft, allows General Manager Brandon Beane to focus Buffalo’s nine draft picks on other needs, such as wide receiver or edge rusher, to complement Josh Allen’s offense.
For the Ravens, the move could yield a 2026 compensatory pick if the contract’s value exceeds $3 million, per Over the Cap. Baltimore’s secondary, led by Kyle Hamilton and Marlon Humphrey, remains deep, mitigating the loss. However, Ravens fans may question the trade’s modest return given the defender’s pedigree.
Critics note the player’s recent struggles and injury history—two torn Achilles since 2021—raise risks at age 30. Supporters argue his knowledge of the Bills’ system and proven playmaking ability outweigh concerns, especially on a low-risk, one-year deal. Buffalo’s Super Bowl window demands such calculated gambles.
With the AFC East race heating up, Brandon Beane’s bold reunion positions the Bills to reclaim dominance. As the draft nears, all eyes are on how this veteran reintegrates and whether he can recapture his All-Pro form. For now, Buffalo’s defense looks poised for a playoff push.
