Four Key Buffalo Bills Players Earn Huge Paydays After Super Bowl

Khalil Shakir, Terrel Bernard, Christian Benford, and James Cook all receive lucrative contract guarantees for 2026 season.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 9:39am

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Four key players for the Buffalo Bills - wide receiver Khalil Shakir, linebacker Terrel Bernard, cornerback Christian Benford, and running back James Cook - have all signed lucrative contract extensions with the team and had portions of their 2026 salaries guaranteed this week. The players received between $8.9 million and $14.5 million in guaranteed money for the upcoming season as the Bills look to build on their Super Bowl LX appearance.

Why it matters

Retaining top talent is crucial for the Bills as they aim to remain contenders in the AFC. These contract extensions and guarantees show the team's commitment to keeping their core players in Buffalo and continuing their success after reaching the Super Bowl last season.

The details

Shakir signed a four-year, $60.2 million deal before the 2025 season and will now have $11.9 million of his 2026 salary guaranteed. Bernard received $25.2 million in guarantees on a four-year, $50 million contract last year, with $8.9 million of his 2026 pay now locked in. Benford agreed to a four-year, $76 million deal with $14.5 million of his 2026 salary and $2.5 million of his 2027 salary now guaranteed. Cook signed a four-year, $48 million extension in August 2025, with $9.4 million of his 2026 pay now guaranteed.

  • The 2025 NFL season concluded with Super Bowl LX on Sunday, February 9, 2026.
  • The contract guarantees for the four Bills players were announced on Monday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Khalil Shakir

A wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills who led the team in receiving yards in 2025 with 719 and signed a four-year, $60.2 million contract extension before that season.

Terrel Bernard

A linebacker for the Buffalo Bills who signed a four-year, $50 million contract in 2025 but struggled with injuries that season, playing in just 12 games.

Christian Benford

The Buffalo Bills' starting cornerback who signed a four-year, $76 million contract in 2025 and emerged as a lockdown defender that season.

James Cook

A running back for the Buffalo Bills who signed a four-year, $48 million extension in August 2025, just before the start of that season.

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What’s next

The Bills will look to build on their Super Bowl LX appearance in the 2026 season with their core group of players locked in with these contract guarantees.

The takeaway

The Buffalo Bills have made a strong commitment to keeping their top players in place as they look to build on their Super Bowl run. Locking in these key contributors with guaranteed money shows the team's belief in their current roster and desire to remain an AFC powerhouse.