Tale of the Tape: Christian Benford

Film analysis highlighting the high-level skill of Buffalo Bills CB Christian Benford.

The Buffalo Bills signed cornerback Christian Benford to a four-year, $69 million contract extension that ties him to the team through the 2029 season. Despite many projections, including my own, that had Benford’s extension in the low-to-mid $20 million per season range, the deal comes in at a team-friendly $17.25 million per year. I have argued and maintained that Benford has been a top-five cornerback in the NFL over the last two seasons, but this contract slots Benford as the 19th highest-paid corner in terms of average annual salary.

A 2022 sixth-round pick out of Villanova that has emerged as an impact starter for the Bills, Benford is entering his age 25 season and is locked up through his prime years.

If you listen to the Locked On Bills Podcast, you’ve heard these numbers, but I want to put them in writing since they validate just how outstanding Benford's performance has been.

Benford’s 2023 coverage metrics:

• 9 of 16 games UNDER 25 yards allowed

• Allowed two or fewer catches in 10 of 16 games

• Allowed more than 50 yards in only three of 16 games

Benford’s 2024 coverage metrics:

• 12 of 18 games UNDER 25 yards allowed

• Allowed more than 50 yards in three of 18 games

• Allowed two or fewer catches in 12 of 18 games

• Allowed the fewest yards per coverage snap of any corner in the NFL

• Allowed one reception per 15.8 coverage snaps, the fourth-best rate in the NFL

An elite run defender and tackler, Benford has missed a combined three tackles over the last two seasons.

What makes Benford so outstanding? Why should the Bills have agreed to this deal? The answers are always in the tape. Without further ado, let’s dive in!