“Buffalo’s Foundation” is being solidified as the Buffalo Bills strategically secure the future of their 2022 NFL Draft class. In a series of calculated moves, General Manager Brandon Beane has orchestrated long-term contract extensions for key players, ensuring a competitive roster around quarterback Josh Allen. These extensions underscore the team’s commitment to building through the draft and rewarding performance, a strategy designed to keep the Bills in contention for years to come.
Locking Down the Core
The Bills’ proactive approach to player retention began in February 2025 and extended into August, solidifying key positions on both sides of the ball. These extensions demonstrate a clear organizational philosophy: draft, develop, and re-sign. This strategy allows the Bills to maintain a youthful, high-performing core while strategically managing their salary cap.
Khalil Shakir: A Reliable Target
Wide receiver Khalil Shakir kicked off the extension frenzy, agreeing to a four-year deal worth up to $60.2 million, including $32 million guaranteed, as reported by NFL.com in February 2025. A fifth-round pick, Shakir emerged as a primary target in 2024, leading the Bills in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. His ability to gain significant yards after the catch has made him a valuable asset to the Bills’ offense. According to CBS Sports, Shakir’s breakout season solidified his role as a reliable weapon for Josh Allen.
Terrel Bernard: Defensive Cornerstone
Linebacker Terrel Bernard was next in line, securing a four-year, $50 million contract extension with $25.2 million guaranteed on March 7, 2025. A third-round selection, Bernard quickly ascended to a leadership role, earning a starting job in his second season and being named a team captain for the 2024 campaign. As noted by AP News, Bernard’s impact on the defense is undeniable, highlighted by his team-leading 143 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and three interceptions in 2023.
Christian Benford: Shutdown Corner
Cornerback Christian Benford, a sixth-round pick turned defensive stalwart, signed a four-year extension worth a reported $76 million, with $18.85 million fully guaranteed at signing, at the end of March and early April 2025. Benford’s 2024 season was highly productive, starting 15 games and earning a top-tier pass coverage grade among cornerbacks, as detailed by Pro-Football-Reference.com. His emergence as a shutdown corner has been crucial to the Bills’ defensive success.
James Cook: Revitalizing the Run Game
Most recently, on August 13, 2025, the Bills finalized a four-year, $48 million contract extension with running back James Cook, including $30 million guaranteed. Cook, a second-round pick, has been instrumental in revitalizing the Bills’ run game, becoming the team’s first running back to rush for over 1,000 yards since 2017. According to BuffaloBills.com, Cook’s extension ties him to Buffalo through the 2029 season and provides significant cap relief for the team in the short term by spreading out the money. His two Pro Bowl nominations underscore his value to the team.
Impact and Future Outlook
These strategic extensions, all finalized at the Bills’ facility in Orchard Park, New York, have a multi-faceted impact on the team. First, they solidify key positions with proven talent, ensuring stability and performance on both offense and defense. Second, they allow the Bills to manage their salary cap effectively, providing flexibility to address other roster needs. Finally, they provide a clear vision for the franchise’s future, signaling a commitment to sustained success. As General Manager Brandon Beane emphasized, developing drafted players and rewarding their performance is paramount to building a perennial contender, a sentiment echoed by TSN. The Bills’ commitment to their homegrown talent positions them well for continued success in the AFC and their pursuit of a Super Bowl.
