Maxwell Hairston Draft

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Ladies and gentlemen, summer is here and the Buffalo Bills are heating up and getting ready for training camp. It has been quite an eventful offseason for the Bills, consisting of contract negotiations, free agent signings, and hauling in some young players from the draft. Here’s a quick summary of what seems to have ended up being quite the positive offseason for the Bills:

Free agency signings

The Bills added several key players this offseason. Both sides of the ball have been bolstered with some potentially serious talent. Let’s take a look at the players coming to Western New York for the 2025 season.

Joey Bosa (DE)

  • Contract: 1-year, $12.6 million, with incentives up to $15.6 million.
  • Details: Signed after release from the Chargers.

This was the splash of the offseason from general manager Brandon Beane. While Bosa is coming off a stretch of years that have been dulled by injury, he is an elite pass rusher when healthy. This could be a gem of a signing.

Josh Palmer (WR)

  • Contract: 3-year, $36 million, with $18 million guaranteed.
  • Details: Former Chargers receiver signed in Free Agency.

The Bills’ wide reciever room needed some help with the departures of Amari Cooper and Mack Hollins in free agency. Josh Palmer brings good skills and speed to the room. Known to stretch the field and beat man coverage, Palmer could thrive with an MVP Quarterback.

Michael Hoecht (LB)

  • Contract: 3-year, $21 million.
  • Details: Versatile defender added in Free Agency

While Hoecht is suspended for six games, he brings a versatile skillset to the Bills defense. Acting as a standup rusher, linebacker, and even a slot corner at times, he is a valuable piece to any defense.

Elijah Moore (WR)

  • Contract: 1-year deal.
  • Details: Released from Browns.

Elijah Moore further solidifies the depth and speed of the Bills wide reciever room. High athleticism and ball skills makes him a great candidate for a breakout season in Buffalo. Moore has yet to play with a top-tier quarterback and looks to prove his potential this season.

Tre’Davious White (CB)

  • Contract: 1-year, $6.8 million.
  • Details: Returns to Buffalo in Free Agency.

It’s beautiful isn’t it? Might just bring a tear to your eyes. Tre is a fan favorite in Buffalo and looks to rebound after a difficult season in 2024. If he is to return to his former form, It would make sense for him to do so in Buffalo.

Other Signings Include

Dane Jackson (CB)

  • Contract: 1-year deal.
  • Details: Rejoins the Bills to provide depth at cornerback.

Kendrick Green (G)

  • Contract: 1-year deal.
  • Details: Adds competition and depth to the offensive line.

Brad Robbins (P)

  • Contract: 1-year deal.
  • Details: Signed to compete for the punter position.

Larry Ogunjobi (DT)

  • Contract: 1-year deal.
  • Details: Signed to strengthen the defensive line.

Darrick Forrest (S)

  • Contract: 1-year deal.
  • Details: Signed to bring competition to the safety position.

Laviska Shenault (WR)

  • Contract: 1-year deal.
  • Details: Signed to bolster receiving corps.

Extensions and re-signings

Josh Allen (QB)

  • Contract: 6 years, $330 million
  • Guaranteed: $250 million (NFL record)
  • Signing Bonus: $56.745 million

This was more than well deserved on Allen’s half. Coming off an MVP season and consistently putting the Bills in a position to win, no one disagrees with this. This keeps Allen under contract through 2030, while providing some cap flexibility.

Terrel Bernard (LB)

  • Contract: 4 years, $50 million
  • Guaranteed: $25.2 million
  • Signing Bonus: $6 million

TB gets paid. The general of the Bills defense is staying in Buffalo for the forseable future.

Greg Rousseau (DE)

  • Contract: 4 years, $80 million
  • Guaranteed: $54 million ($49 million fully guaranteed at signing)
  • Signing Bonus: $17.5 million

Groot gets a well deserved payday. While his pass rushing ability could be improved, he consistently provides a boost to the Bills defense when he is on the field. The young edge rusher has become a cornerstone of the Bills defensive line.

Khalil Shakir (WR)

  • Contract: 4 years, up to $60.2 million
  • Guaranteed: $32 million at signing
  • Signing Bonus: $7 million

Shakir is coming off the best season of his career and looks to take on a role as the top reciever in the Bills offense. Shakir’s playmaking ability makes this contract feel like a steal for Buffalo.

Christian Benford (CB)

  • Contract: 4 years, $76 million
  • Guaranteed: $40.8 million ($18.85 million fully guaranteed at signing)
  • Signing Bonus: $7.5 million

The Bills lock down their CB1 for the future. Benford seems to improve everytime he steps on the field. When healthy he poses a real threat to quarterbacks.

Reggie Gilliam (FB)

Re-signed to a one-year contract, Gilliam continues to contribute as a versatile fullback and special teams player.

Ty Johnson (RB)

Secured a two-year deal to remain a key component in the Bills’ running back rotation. Johnson played a strong role in the Bills offense last year and looks to have another big year.

Reid Ferguson (LS)

Re-signed to continue his role as the fan favorite, and also long snapper.

Damar Hamlin (S)

Returns to the Bills to compete for a starting role for the second year in a row. Hamlin struggled at times during the 2024 season, but showed flashes of great play.

Draft Picks

Maxwell Hairston (CB, Kentucky)

  • Round: 1 (30th overall)

T.J. Sanders (DT, South Carolina)

  • Round: 2 (41st overall)

Landon Jackson (DE, Arkansas)

  • Round: 3 (72nd overall)

Deone Walker (DT, Kentucky)

  • Round: 4 (109th overall)

Jordan Hancock (CB, Ohio State)

  • Round: 5 (170th overall)

Jackson Hawes (TE, Georgia Tech)

  • Round: 5 (173rd overall)

Dorian Strong (CB, Virginia Tech)

  • Round: 6 (177th overall)

Chase Lundt (OT, Connecticut)

  • Round: 6 (206th overall)

Kaden Prather (WR, Maryland)

  • Round: 7 (240th overall)

The more you look at this draft class, the more exciting it becomes. Speedy Maxwell Hairston adds incredible footwork and speed to the cornerback room. A plethora of big bodies entering the defensive line room. It seems that this draft addressed all the glaring holes in the Bills roster. It will be interesting to watch it play out.

The Bills had a productive and exciting offseason, adding playmakers on both sides of the ball while keeping key veterans in Buffalo. With training camp just around the corner, it’s time to see how it all comes together.

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