Bills coach Joe Brady declares Maxwell Hairston the team's starting cornerback

In the Bills' preseason finale versus Pittsburgh, second-year cornerback Maxwell Hairston started at the position and drew attention after a missed tackle early in the game. Coach Joe Brady answered media questions by stating unequivocally that Hairston is the starting cornerback, dismissing any ongoing competition with rookie Davison Igbinosun. The proclamation arrives after Hairston's first season, which was bookended by knee and ankle injuries, and follows the departure of former head coach Sean McDermott.

Although general manager Brandon Beane, now also president of football operations, was the original draft selector, the new defensive staff led by Jim Leonhard has introduced a 3-4 base that emphasizes press man coverage. The move signals confidence in Hairston's abilities within the revamped scheme, though the final roster shape will be tested when the regular season opens against the Houston Texans.