Pittsford, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - Earlier this offseason, the Buffalo Bills signed cornerback Christian Benford to a four-year, $69 million contract extension, locking him up with the organization for the next five years.
During Monday's practice at training camp, he was locking down wide receivers on the first day of pads at St. John Fisher University.
Benford's contract, which still has one year remaining on the original deal, now runs through the 2029 season, and carries an average annual value of $17.25 million.
After some others at the position around the league also got paid, he's now the 19th highest-paid corner, in terms of per-year salary.
Judging by the first week of training camp, that is already money well spent by the Bills, and might be a pretty remarkable value.
The 2022 sixth-round pick from Villanova was either in position to force an errant throw, or making plays on the ball himself during 1-on-1 drills. Then, when it came time for 11-on-11 work, his aggressiveness and stickiness just continued.
As noted by several other media members on hand Monday, Benford wasn’t the only defensive player flashing with the pads on.
After practice, starting nickel cornerback Taron Johnson met with the media, and when asked about Benford’s day and overall camp, he said, "I think he is the best corner in the NFL."
Injury list grows
The Bills had a lengthy list of players who did not participate on Monday due to injury:
During practice, offensive lineman Alec Anderson went to the trainer’s tent and did not return.
