Bills Sign 14-INT Defensive Free Agent

New addition aims to bolster secondary after offseason losses.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:49pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Buffalo Bills have signed a free agent defensive back with an impressive 14 interceptions over the past three seasons. This move comes as the team faces the potential loss of several key players in their secondary through free agency.

Why it matters

The Bills had one of the NFL's top defenses in 2025, but they are facing significant turnover in the defensive backfield. This free agent signing is an attempt to maintain their defensive strength and keep the team competitive in the AFC East.

The details

The Bills have signed 28-year-old cornerback Jaylen Smith to a 3-year contract. Smith recorded 14 interceptions for the Chargers over the past three seasons, emerging as one of the league's top ball-hawking defensive backs. He will look to fill the void left by the potential departures of Taron Johnson, Taylor Rapp, and Dane Jackson.

  • The Bills signed Jaylen Smith on March 12, 2026.

The players

Jaylen Smith

A 28-year-old cornerback who was a free agent after recording 14 interceptions over the past three seasons with the Chargers.

Taron Johnson

A Bills defensive back who is set to become a free agent this offseason.

Taylor Rapp

A Bills defensive back who is set to become a free agent this offseason.

Dane Jackson

A Bills defensive back who is set to become a free agent this offseason.

Jordan Poyer

A Bills defensive back who may also become a free agent this offseason.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Jaylen is a playmaker in the secondary and we're excited to add that kind of talent to our defense.”

— Brandon Beane, Bills General Manager (wn.com)

What’s next

The Bills will look to re-sign some of their own free agents in the secondary, while also exploring other options to bolster the defensive backfield.

The takeaway

The Bills are working to maintain their defensive identity despite significant turnover in the secondary, signing a talented free agent cornerback to help offset the potential losses of several key players.