The Buffalo Bills made significant cuts to their roster ahead of the 2024 NFL season, parting ways with six veteran players in an effort to get younger and manage the salary cap more effectively.
One of the most difficult departures was cornerback. He had signed a four-year, $69 million extension in 2020 and was under contract through 2025. Unfortunately, his 2022 season was cut short by an ACL tear, and he later suffered an Achilles injury in Week 4 of the 2023 season.
Due to these consecutive injuries, he missed 30 games over three seasons. After his release, he signed a one-year, $4.25 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams, but the stint didn’t pan out. Before the trade deadline, the Rams dealt White to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick, also sending a 2027 seventh-rounder to Baltimore as part of the deal.
Now 30, played in seven regular-season games for the Ravens, tallying 10 tackles and three pass breakups. He also made one solo tackle during two playoff games. After spending some time in free agency, the Bills decided to bring White back for the 2025 NFL season.
The Bills Signed Tre’Davious White to A 1-year Deal Worth Up to $6.8 Million
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on April 17 that cornerback Tre’Davious White and the Buffalo Bills agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $6.8 million, according to his agents Kevin Conner and Robert Brown of @UniSportsMgmt. This marks a return to Buffalo for White, who played with the team from 2017 to 2023 and earned two Pro Bowl selections during his tenure.
Schefter noted that Conner and Bills GM Brandon Beane made significant progress on the new contract during the NFL’s league meetings, finalizing the deal on April 17.
Although White was released last year, there was always a lingering possibility that the Bills could bring him back on a more team-friendly deal. Head coach Sean McDermott grew emotional when discussing White’s release in March 2024, saying, “To me, it’s tragic, in some ways, because of the injuries, and had not the injuries occurred, who knows where his time in Buffalo would have taken him and us?” He added, “I think he’s one of the best defensive backs to ever play in Buffalo – I really believe that.”
WGR 550’s Sal Capaccio shared on Thursday that after the Ravens-Bills playoff matchup last season, White expressed interest in returning to Buffalo if the opportunity arose. That chance has now come—and he’s back.
Will Tre’Davious White Keep the Bills From Drafting a CB in the 2025 NFL Draft?
Bringing back Tre’Davious White, the Bills’ 2017 first-round pick, doesn’t eliminate the need for Buffalo to target a cornerback in the 2025 NFL Draft. White is more of a depth and leadership addition—an experienced veteran who offers insurance and familiarity rather than a long-term solution.
As ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg pointed out, “This doesn’t take away from outside cornerback being a serious need in this year’s draft. But a good veteran addition to the room that is, of course, very familiar with this defense.”
WROC-TV’s Thad Brown echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Really like Bills bringing Tre White back. Knows defense. Knows locker room where he will absolutely help. Can trust him to start Week 1 if necessary. Think still a high level ceiling for White, especially in Buffalo. Fair to question where he’s at after injuries but probably best option available to protect if Bills miss on CB in draft.”
In short, while White’s return is valuable, the Bills are still expected to prioritize cornerback help in the draft to bolster a secondary in transition.