Three Cornerbacks The Bills Should Target At NFL Trade Deadline

The Buffalo Bills have an opportunity to improve their secondary before the NFL trade deadline, and adding another cornerback should be near the top on Brandon Beane's list of priorities.

Buffalo currently sits atop the AFC East with a 5-1 record, but the defense has struggled to consistently contain opposing passing attacks. Christian Benford remains the top cornerback option, while Davison Igbinosun continues to develop. But behind them, there are a lot of questions, especially when it comes to 2025 first-round pick Maxwell Hairston, who has seemingly lost his starting role to Igbinosun. 

With the November 10 trade deadline approaching, here are three cornerbacks the Bills should consider targeting.

1. Mike Sainristil - Washington Commanders

Mike Sainristil could be an appealing option for Buffalo because of his age, versatility and playmaking ability.

The 2024 second-round pick out of Michigan recorded two interceptions and 14 pass breakups as a rookie before adding four interceptions in 2025. However, his playing time has fluctuated this season, making him an intriguing name to monitor as the deadline approaches. 

Has he fallen out of favor with Washington? Would he be a good option to pick up on a rookie contract? The Bills have a problem with missed tackles, and Sainristil is one of the better young tackling corners there is.

He's also under contract for one more season on his rookie deal, bringing with it a small $2.45 million cap hit in 2027. 

2. Riq Woolen - Philadelphia Eagles

Riq Woolen offers something the Bills could use on the outside: size, speed, and starting experience.

The 6-foot-4 cornerback joined Philadelphia on a one-year, $12 million contract after spending his first four NFL seasons with Seattle. He recorded 12 interceptions with the Seahawks, including six during his rookie campaign in 2022.

After betting on himself by leaving the Seahawks, things haven't gone well in Philadelphia. For the price of a 3rd- or 4th-round pick, Woolen could be a piece to line up across from Benford, allowing Igbinosun to go back to being used situationally ahead of taking the full job next season.

Woolen's combination of length and athleticism makes him an intriguing option for a Bills defense that needs to improve its coverage.

With his contract expiring after the season and it being unlikely he stays, Philadelphia could consider moving him if it decides to prioritize future assets. 

3. Donte Jackson - Los Angeles Chargers

Donte Jackson could provide the Bills with an experienced veteran capable of helping their secondary immediately.

Jackson spent most of his career with the Carolina Panthers before moving to Pittsburgh and then Los Angeles.

He's only played in four games this season, but is coming off a 2025 where he had four interceptions and 12 passes defended in 17 games. 

The best part about the deal is the contract. Jackson is on an expiring deal at just $4 million, making it easy to swallow for the Bills for the rest of the year.