Maxwell Hairston secures starting cornerback role for the Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills coach Joe Brady confirmed that Maxwell Hairston is the team's starting cornerback opposite Christian Benford. After missing the first two preseason games due to a groin injury, Hairston returned for the preseason finale to solidify his position on the roster. The defensive back is changing his jersey number from 31 to 1 for the upcoming season, returning to the number he wore during his college career at Kentucky. Hairston was selected by the Bills with the 30th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and appeared in 11 games during his rookie campaign. The team had been evaluating other options during training camp, including rookie Davison Igbinosun, but Brady signaled that the job belongs to Hairston. The cornerback will debut his new number in the regular-season opener when the Buffalo Bills face the Texans at Reliant Stadium on Sunday, September 13.

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