The Buffalo Bills have finalized a deal with first-round pick Maxwell Hairston, but the contract is surprisingly low for a No. 30 overall selection, sources told ESPN. The cornerback from Kentucky signed a four-year, $12 million deal with a $5.5 million signing bonus, well below initial projections.
Spotrac had estimated Hairston’s contract at $15.2 million over four years with a $7.7 million signing bonus, reflecting the typical value for a late first-round pick. Hairston’s deal, which includes a fifth-year option, carries a 2025 cap hit of just $2.5 million, aligning with veteran Tre’Davious White’s recent one-year contract.
“We’re thrilled to have Max on board at this value,” said Brandon Beane. “It gives us flexibility while adding a dynamic player.”
Hairston’s lower-than-expected contract may stem from concerns about his durability and physicality. At 5-foot-11 and 183 pounds, he missed five games in 2024 due to a shoulder injury, and scouts have noted his reluctance in run support, a key trait for Bills coach Sean McDermott’s system.
Despite these concerns, Hairston brings elite speed, clocking a 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine—the fastest among defensive backs. His ball skills are undeniable, with six career interceptions at Kentucky, three returned for touchdowns, tying a school record.
The Bills needed a CB2 after ranking 24th in pass defense in 2024, especially following Rasul Douglas’ departure. Hairston joins Christian Benford and White, aiming to bolster a secondary that struggled against Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes in the AFC Championship loss.
“I’m here to get the ball back for Josh Allen,” Hairston told reporters. “This contract doesn’t change my drive to prove myself.”
With Allen’s 4,306-yard MVP season and James Cook’s 1,086-yard rushing, the Bills are Super Bowl contenders in 2025. Hairston’s cost-effective deal gives Beane cap flexibility to pursue veterans like Jonathan Jones, while his speed could be key against the Chiefs at Highmark Stadium.