The Buffalo Bills have had an impressive offseason, successfully addressing key roster needs while also retaining important players. Notable acquisitions include Joshua Palmer, Joey Bosa, and Michael Hoecht, while the re-signings of Khalil Shakir, Greg Rousseau, Terrel Bernard, and Josh Allen further strengthen the team. However, according to USA Today’s Nate Davis, general manager Brandon Beane still has two crucial tasks left to complete in order to fully capitalize on the offseason.
“Beane’s remaining priorities are securing long-term deals for running back James Cook and cornerback Christian Benford, both set to become free agents in 2026,” Davis notes. “With those moves, Bills Mafia can confidently expect another AFC East title in 2025 – and possibly much more.”
Cook is still waiting on a new contract, especially after an impressive season in which he racked up 19 total rushing touchdowns (16 in the regular season, three in the playoffs) and surpassed 1,000 rushing yards once again. Understandably, he wants to be among the league’s highest-paid running backs rather than playing out the final year of his rookie deal.
Meanwhile, Benford’s impact on Buffalo’s defense is undeniable. His Pro Football Focus ranking—fifth out of 222 cornerbacks with an 82.6 overall grade—underscores his value to Sean McDermott’s defensive unit. The Bills have already had a strong offseason, but locking in Cook and Benford would put them in prime position for a dominant 2025 campaign.