Buffalo Bills to Sign Veteran Cornerback Dee Alford to Three-Year Contract Worth Up to $21M The Buffalo Bills have finalized a deal to sign veteran cornerback Dee Alford to a three-year contract with a total value of up to $21 million, including approximately $10.2 million in guaranteed money. The move comes as the team looks to bolster its secondary, with Alford expected to step into the slot role previously occupied by Taron Johnson. Alford’s versatility, having played both slot and boundary positions, as well as occasional safety snaps, positions him as a valuable asset under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. Alford’s 2025 season highlighted his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. He recorded three of his four career interceptions during the year, including a notable play against Josh Allen in Week 6 when the Bills defeated Atlanta 24-14. That game marked Alford’s best performance of the season, as he also tallied a sack on a blitz, four tackles, and limited opposing quarterback completions to just two out of five targets. His physicality was further demonstrated when he forced a tackle on Joshua Palmer that resulted in an ankle injury, effectively ending Palmer’s rookie season with the Bills. While Alford excelled as a pass defender, his run-stopping ability was a concern. His Pro Football Focus grade in run defense ranked third-worst among 121 corners who played at least 80 snaps in that role. This weakness may influence his role with the Bills, though his experience and adaptability could help mitigate it. Alford’s journey to the NFL began at Tusculum University, a Division II school where he set a school record with 40 passes defended in 40 games. He also accumulated 140 tackles and 10 interceptions during his collegiate career.#buffalo_bills #jim_leonhard #winnipeg_blue_bombers #dee_alford #tusculum_university
Former Falcons Cornerback Signs Three-Year Contract with Bills in Free Agency Dee Alford, a former undrafted free agent who spent his entire NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons, has signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the Buffalo Bills, according to a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The deal includes $10.12 million in guaranteed money. Alford, 28, joined the Falcons in 2022 and has since appeared in 64 games (23 starts) while recording 216 tackles (159 solo), four interceptions, 37 passes defended, and 3.5 sacks. His performance has positioned him as a key contributor to the Falcons’ defense, though he will now compete with the Bills’ revamped secondary. The Bills have made significant adjustments to their defensive backfield in recent weeks, parting ways with veteran players such as Dane Jackson, Taron Johnson, and Taylor Rapp. These moves are aimed at creating cap flexibility for the 2026 season. Alford’s signing is part of the Bills’ strategy to strengthen their secondary, which has been a focus area as they prepare for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, the Falcons have extended another undrafted free agent, cornerback Natrone Brooks, who is expected to step into Alford’s former role. Brooks’ contract extension signals the team’s commitment to developing its own talent while addressing key defensive positions. However, the Falcons also faced losses on Day 1 of the legal tampering period, including the departures of running back Tyler Allgeier and defensive lineman David Onyemata. Allgeier has joined the Arizona Cardinals, while Onyemata is heading to the New York Jets. In addition to these roster changes, the Falcons released wide receivers Darnell Mooney and KhaDarel Hodge.#buffalo_bills #atlanta_falcons #dee_alford #jeremy_fowler #2026_nfl_free_agency_tracker
Buffalo Bills to Sign Dee Alford to 3-Year Deal Worth Up to $21 Million Free agent cornerback Dee Alford is set to join the Buffalo Bills on a three-year contract with a total value of up to $21 million, according to a source shared with ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The agreement includes $10.12 million in guaranteed money, the source revealed. Alford, 28, is entering his second season in the NFL after a standout 2025 campaign with the Atlanta Falcons. Alford’s 2025 season marked a significant rebound from his previous role as the Falcons’ nickel corner, where he initially lost his starting position to rookie Billy Bowman Jr. during training camp. However, he quickly became a key contributor, stepping in for both starting outside corners, A.J. Terrell Jr. and Mike Hughes, when they were sidelined by injuries. Alford also took over for Bowman late in the season after the rookie suffered an Achilles tear. His versatility allowed him to thrive in multiple roles, ultimately leading to a breakout year. In 2025, Alford recorded career highs in interceptions (three), passes defended (13), and sacks (two), along with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. His performance earned him seven starts in the revamped defensive scheme implemented by new defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. This marked a significant step up from his 2023 season, when he started 11 games as the Falcons’ regular nickel corner. Despite posting no interceptions that year, he tallied 11 passes defended. Over his four NFL seasons, Alford has started 23 games. Alford’s journey to the NFL began with a brief stint in the CFL, where he played two seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He became a key player during their 2021 Grey Cup-winning season.#buffalo_bills #atlanta_falcons #dee_alford #winnipeg_blue_bombers #jeff_ulbrich
