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The Buffalo Bills have a significant void at cornerback going into the 2025 offseason. They signed Christian Benford to a four-year, $76 million contract, and he called it a life-changing moment. But for all the celebrations in his camp, the cornerback room around him feels light. Rasul Douglas hasn’t been re-signed. Kaiir Elam got traded. Dane Jackson is back, but only on a one-year deal. So, looking at all that, GM Brandon Beane said it outright at the NFL owners meetings, cornerback is still a position they’re “continuing to look at.” Translation: This depth chart is still under construction.

That search might be over—if a familiar name proves he still has gas left in the tank. On Wednesday, veteran cornerback James Bradberry paid a visit to the Bills’ facility.

As first reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who posted on X: “Veteran CB James Bradberry is making a free-agent visit to the #Bills today, per source. Bradberry has ties to Buffalo GM Brandon Beane and HC Sean McDermott, who were with Carolina when the Panthers drafted him in 2016.” This isn’t just any old meet-and-greet. Bradberry, 31, is a former All-Pro who was personally selected by Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane in the 2016 NFL Draft while playing for the Carolina Panthers. This reunion is nearly a decade in the making.

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After four years in Carolina, a lucrative contract with the Giants in 2020, and a one-year stint in Philadelphia that resulted in a three-year, $38 million extension in 2022, Bradberry has had a long ride. In 2022, he was named second-team All-Pro. He tore his Achilles over the summer of last season, though, and missed the full 2024 season. He is currently searching for a team as a free agent, and the Bills are trying to find a veteran who can play wide corner opposite Benford. The timing couldn’t be more perfect.

In his whole career, he has recorded 478 tackles, 19 interceptions, and 13 passes defended in 125 games with three different teams. The relationship between Bradberry and Beane, and McDermott is what makes this visit so important, according to Fowler. It’s important to bring in someone who understands how this coaching staff functions rather than merely filling a gap. With Taron Johnson locked into the slot and Benford on one boundary, Bradberry could step into a starting role if the medicals check out. Buffalo’s pass defense struggled last season beyond its top names, and Bradberry may be the reliable presence they’ve been quietly waiting for.

Bosa, Blue, and a billion-dollar bet — Bills go all-in to arm Josh Allen for a Super Bowl charge

The Bills’ main goal is to arm Josh Allen with every tool they can in order to push for the Super Bowl, even as they try to patch up the defence. The moves haven’t been subtle. The Buffalo Bills now have Joey Bosa. After nine seasons in Los Angeles, the former Chargers pass rusher was released and signed a one-year contract.

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What’s your perspective on:

Can James Bradberry's return to familiar faces reignite the Bills' defense for a Super Bowl run?

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Pro Football Network called Bosa’s contract “nice value” and gave Buffalo a B-grade for their overall offseason so far. But that grade could rise if Bosa stays healthy—something he hasn’t done consistently in recent years, missing 23 games over the last three seasons. Still, when he’s active, he’s a force. It’s a gamble Buffalo is willing to take, especially after moving on from Von Miller.

However, the front office is trying other moves besides recruiting Bosa. James Cook’s contract status is reportedly “not great,” and there is increasing doubt around the running back. That uncertainty has opened the door for another name to enter the conversation: Jaydon Blue.

Ahead of the NFL Draft, Blue, a Texas running back with lightning speed, recently paid the Bills a visit. He ran a 4.38 at the NFL Combine despite a groin tear. And he went all out on his Pro Day, clocking in at 4.25. That’s speed you can’t teach. He recorded 730 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground in 2024. Buffalo already knows how much Allen likes checking it down to his backs. He threw 82 passes their way last season, which made up 17% of his total attempts.

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Blue could be a dream fit. Draft analyst Kyle Crabbs described him as “lightning in a bottle.” Lance Zierlein praised his ability to create mismatches as a receiver out of the backfield. And with 82 targets suddenly up for grabs following the exits of Mack Hollins and Amari Cooper, Blue could immediately carve out a role—if the Bills decide to spend a Day 3 pick on him.

This offseason isn’t about gradual rebuilding. It’s a full-speed reload with one goal in mind—getting Josh Allen to the Super Bowl. Bradberry brings experience. Bosa brings edge pressure. Blue could bring electricity. Buffalo’s window isn’t closing quietly—it’s getting reinforced, piece by piece.

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"Can James Bradberry's return to familiar faces reignite the Bills' defense for a Super Bowl run?"

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