
CB · Buffalo Bills
1 transaction this offseason
Height
5'11"
Weight
180 lbs
Age
28
College
Tusculum
Draft
Undrafted
Experience
4 yrs
CB Rank
#17 / 288
Grade this player:
| Year | Team | GP | INT | PD | Tkl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | ![]() | 64 | 4 | 37 | 216 |
| 2025 | ![]() | 16 | 3 | 13 | 67 |
| 2024 | ![]() | 16 | 0 | 11 | 83 |
| 2023 | ![]() | 16 |
Length
3 years
Total Value
$15.8M
Guaranteed
$10.1M
AAV
$5.3M/yr
Buffalo struck solid value here, landing Dee Alford at $5.3M AAV in what amounts to a fair deal that earns a B- CVI. The contract perfectly aligns a rotational cornerback's market rate with his proven production level, avoiding the trap of overpaying for depth pieces that often sink teams' salary cap flexibility. At 28, Alford sits in his prime years where defensive backs typically maintain their peak coverage skills, making this three-year window an ideal match for both player development and team needs. The $10.1M in guaranteed money provides Buffalo reasonable protection while giving Alford security, though the front-loaded guarantee structure could create some dead money risk if he fails to develop beyond his current rotational role. This signing reflects smart roster construction — the Bills identified a capable defensive back who can contribute immediately in their system without breaking the bank, filling a crucial depth need while maintaining cap space for higher-impact positions.
Dee Alford grades as a solid starter among NFL cornerbacks — an above-average player at the position. His strongest area is passes defended at 0.81 (well above the NFL average of 0.49), ranking as well above average for the position. Tackling, at 4.19 compared to an NFL average of 3.00, is where he falls short relative to the position. His ball-hawking ability stands out, creating turnovers at an above-average rate.
Buffalo lands a quality starter-level corner in Dee Alford on a three-year deal worth up to $21M. Multiple outlets covered the signing positively, with The Athletic highlighting his fit in Buffalo's new defensive scheme. A $21M potential value signals real investment, suggesting the Bills view Alford as a legitimate starter, not depth filler. Fans are cautiously optimistic, with debate around whether the price tag is justified for a non-household name corner. If Alford develops within Buffalo's system, this signing looks like solid value in a pricey cornerback market.
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| 6 |
| 41 |
| 2022 | ![]() | 16 | 1 | 7 | 25 |
Updated Mar 18, 2026
Recent seasons are weighted more heavily in the overall performance grade.
B+
2025
(50% weight)
A-
2024
(30% weight)
D
2023
(20% weight)