The Buffalo Bills agreed to terms with cornerback Dee Alford and quarterback Kyle Allen on the first day of the legal tampering period in 2026. Alford, who spent the previous four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, joins the Bills to fill the slot cornerback role left open after the team traded Taron Johnson to the Las Vegas Raiders. Allen will serve as the backup quarterback, replacing Mitchell Trubisky, who recently reunited with coach Brian Daboll in Tennessee.
Although these signings are not headline-grabbing acquisitions, Alford’s addition brings a promising playmaker to the Bills. Coming off his best year, Alford tallied 67 tackles, 13 pass deflections, and three interceptions, showing growth in his defensive contributions.
Dee Alford’s Potential Impact Beyond Defense
Alford is anticipated to contribute significantly on special teams in Buffalo. His experience as a punt and kick returner throughout his career adds valuable versatility to the Bills’ roster. In the 2023 season, Alford returned 20 punts for 160 yards and handled two kick returns for 13 yards. Although his involvement on returns diminished in the 2024 and 2025 seasons, he showcased his explosiveness with a 79-yard punt return touchdown during a 2023 preseason game against the Miami Dolphins.
“Did I mention he can also do this… pic.twitter.com/f7hVza7De5” ?Dave Myers BIB
This ability to shift the momentum on special teams could prove critical for Buffalo as they seek to strengthen these often-overlooked plays.
Special Teams Return Game Needs a Boost
The Bills enjoyed elite production on kick returns last season, thanks largely to second-year running back Ray Davis. Davis led the NFL with an average of 30.4 yards per kick return, accumulating 943 yards and scoring one touchdown on 31 returns. However, the punt return game was less effective, averaging just 6.5 yards per return. Khalil Shakir has been the primary punt returner but is heavily involved in the passing offense, raising concerns about overuse.
Adding Alford as a potential punt returner could ease the burden on Shakir and inject more dynamism into Buffalo’s punt returns. If Alford can rekindle his return skills from earlier seasons, it would enhance special teams’ overall effectiveness and validate the Bills’ strategic move.
Looking Ahead: Potential Ripple Effects for the Bills
The integration of Dee Alford into the Bills’ defense and special teams units could have significant implications for the team’s 2026 campaign. By filling the slot cornerback vacancy and potentially revitalizing the punt return game, Alford offers a two-fold boost. His impact may sustain Buffalo’s competitiveness in a demanding NFL landscape while providing the team with more opportunities to change field position and create scoring chances.
As the offseason progresses, monitoring Alford’s role and effectiveness will be crucial for Bills fans eager to see how these additions translate to on-field success.
Did I mention he can also do this… pic.twitter.com/f7hVza7De5
— Dave Myers BIB (@DaveMyersBIB) March 9, 2026
