In a move designed to strengthen their young and athletic cornerback unit, the Buffalo Bills have traded a 4th-round pick to acquire cornerback Riley Moss. The 26-year-old defender, previously with Denver, brings versatility, speed, and a sharp zone instinct to a Bills defense that has quietly been building one of the league’s most balanced secondaries.
Riley Moss: A Perfect Fit for Buffalo’s Scheme
Moss enters the Bills’ lineup as an 80 overall Zone Corner with impressive 95 acceleration, 95 agility, and 91 speed. Those physical tools make him a natural fit for Buffalo’s defensive philosophy — one that prioritizes smart zone drops, quick reaction timing, and sure tackling on the perimeter.
While Moss’s man coverage (68) lags slightly behind his zone coverage (83), he compensates with excellent pursuit (80) and awareness (80). He’s a smart, technically sound defender who rarely finds himself out of position — a trait head coach Jim Kelly covets.
Impact on the Current Cornerback Group
Buffalo’s cornerback room is a mix of youth and developing stars. Here’s how Moss fits into the depth chart:
| Player | Dev | OVR | Type | Strengths | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Benford | Star | 86 | Zone CB | Smart, physical, reliable in deep zones | CB1 / veteran leader |
| Maxwell Hairston | Star | 80 | Man-to-Man | Elite speed & agility; press corner traits | CB2 / man matchups |
| Riley Moss | Star | 80 | Zone CB | Fast, instinctive, high pursuit | Nickel / rotational starter |
| Dorian Strong | Normal | 75 | Man-to-Man | Great agility, solid depth | CB4 / sub packages |
| Jeremiah Earby | Normal | 70 | Zone CB | Developing zone instincts | Developmental reserve |
| Will Lee III | Normal | 66 | Zone CB | Length and athleticism | Special teams / depth |
The addition of Moss gives Buffalo three starting-caliber corners, allowing them to rotate between zone-heavy looks and press-man alignments. His combination of zone awareness and pursuit makes him a natural fit in nickel sets — especially on early downs or against motion-heavy offenses.
Depth, Versatility, and Competition
Before the trade, the Bills’ depth behind Benford and Hairston was a concern. Dorian Strong and Jeremiah Earby showed flashes but lacked consistent play recognition and physicality. Moss immediately upgrades that rotation and pushes Strong for the CB3 role.
In particular, Moss’s press (71) and pursuit (80) metrics suggest he can hold his own in run support.
The Bigger Picture
Trading a 4th-round pick for Moss is a low-risk, high-upside move. The Bills get a proven, scheme-fit player entering his prime, while maintaining future draft flexibility. Moss’s Star development trait also gives the coaching staff room to grow his game further — particularly in man coverage and press technique.
In short, Buffalo just made their cornerback unit deeper, faster, and more adaptable — a crucial step toward contending in a high-powered AFC.
Projected CB Rotation (Post-Trade)
- Christian Benford – Starting Boundary Corner (Zone-heavy side)
- Maxwell Hairston – Starting Man Corner / Speed Matchups
- Riley Moss – Nickel Corner / Hybrid Zone Specialist
- Dorian Strong – Depth & Dime Packages
- Jeremiah Earby – Developmental Zone Corner
- Will Lee III – Special Teams Contributor
Final Grade: A-
Buffalo’s secondary is now one of the most complete position groups on the roster. With Moss added to the mix, the Bills have the flexibility to counter a variety of offensive looks — from vertical passing attacks to spread motion offenses.
Riley Moss brings speed, intelligence, and discipline — exactly what the Bills needed to elevate their pass defense to playoff caliber.
