Here’s how much it would cost the Buffalo Bills to extend cornerback Rasul Douglas

Rasul Douglas caused trouble on social media this offseason with his activity on Twitter/X. Near the start of the new league year, Douglas’ contract was restructured to free up approximately $2.5 million on the Bills’ cap. Rasul sent several fan bases into a frenzy by subsequently posting “Decisions,” which many interpreted to mean he was considering an extension with the Bills or potentially trying to force his way out of Buffalo in the middle of their defensive overhaul.

This wild defensive rebuild makes it entirely plausible that they could view him as a bargaining chip to help land young talent via the draft. However, if the Bills decide to keep him as a veteran leader to ease their transition, the price tag could be relatively manageable considering the impact he brings.

For starters, while Douglas has been a high-level player over his last three seasons, he doesn’t have the first-round pedigree required to reach the upper echelons of the cornerback market. If there was any question as to whether there is a glass ceiling for day two (or third) cornerbacks, look no further than Jaylon Johnson’s contract, a relative bargain for a corner locked at $19 million APY.

Douglas has a takeaway ability that nearly rivals Trevon Diggs, while keeping his yards per coverage rep even lower than Jayon Johnson. He lacks the true shutdown season that Johnson displayed in 2023, but he has remained remarkably consistent since signing with the Packers in 2021 and was ultimately traded to the Bills at the 2023 deadline.