Under Sean McDermott, the Buffalo Bills have consistently maintained a strong secondary, even without key players like Jordan Poyer, Micah Hyde, and Tre’Davious White. While the 2024 season saw changes in the defensive backfield, it was far from the team’s biggest weakness. McDermott’s background as a former college defensive back has undoubtedly contributed to the unit’s development and stability.
One of Buffalo’s missteps in 2022 was drafting cornerback Kaiir Elam, who was expected to be an immediate impact player. Instead, it was his draft classmate, Christian Benford, who emerged as the standout.
In 2023, the Bills addressed struggles in their secondary by trading for cornerback Rasul Douglas from the Green Bay Packers. With White sidelined due to a torn Achilles and Elam proving unreliable, Douglas made an immediate impact, helping stabilize the defense and contributing to Buffalo’s divisional-round playoff run.
However, Douglas, who just completed his first full season with the team, may not be back in 2025 as he prepares to enter free agency. If the Bills and Douglas part ways, there is a pending free-agent cornerback who could be an ideal fit for Buffalo’s defense.
CB Byron Murphy Jr. is a perfect match for Buffalo Bills
After earning his first Pro Bowl selection in 2024, Murphy is expected to draw significant interest in free agency. He spent his first four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, where he was a solid contributor, including a four-interception season in 2021. In 2023, he joined the Minnesota Vikings and became a key piece in Brian Flores’ aggressive, hard-hitting defense.
Murphy had a breakout 2024 campaign, recording a career-high six interceptions (nine over the past two seasons) and 14 pass deflections, another personal best. His ability to play both inside and outside adds the kind of versatility that McDermott and his staff value in secondary players.
Spotrac projects Murphy’s market value at $22.1 million per year—a steep price that would be difficult for the Bills to afford. However, general manager Brandon Beane has a knack for creative contract negotiations.
If Rasul Douglas departs in free agency, Buffalo should strongly consider exploring Murphy as a potential replacement.