In an unusual intra-division trade, the Buffalo Bills have acquired receiver, defensive back, and kick returner Brandon Codrington from the New York Jets. This move comes as the team wraps up roster cutdowns.
Following the release of WR/KR K.J. Hamler, the Bills needed additional options for the return game. RB Darrynton Evans and CB Daequan Hardy had been handling some of those duties, with Hardy emerging as a likely starter. However, Hardy’s future is now uncertain, possibly due to an unconfirmed injury sustained in the final preseason game against Carolina. If Hardy’s injury is serious, he might start the season on injured reserve.
The trade, involving a swap of late-round draft picks in 2026, is a minor cost for the Bills to address a pressing need. So, who is Brandon Codrington?
Codrington, an undrafted free agent from North Carolina Central University, might not be well-known. A four-year starter as a return specialist, he set a school record with an 85-yard touchdown return last season and had multiple notable returns that year. With his knack for finding the end zone and solid ball handling, Codrington has shown promise and had a productive preseason.
Evaluating a returner’s value is challenging, but it’s clear Buffalo is invested enough to sign him. The 5’9″, 185-pound cornerback was relatively unknown until he emerged in early May. Following a strong tryout, he secured a spot on the Jets’ 90-man training camp roster and seized the opportunity. Now, he’s set to play in the NFL with a team that’s willing to make a trade to acquire him. Buffalo will face New York in Week 6, giving Covington ample time to establish himself as the primary returner before then.
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