Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Maxwell Hairston and why are the Bears interested in him?
Maxwell Hairston is a cornerback Buffalo selected 30th overall in the 2024 NFL draft out of Kentucky. The Bears are interested because his snap count has dropped dramatically with the Bills, suggesting his status is in limbo, which could make him available at a bargain price.
Why has Maxwell Hairston's playing time dropped with the Bills?
Hairston's snap share cratered after Christian Benford returned, with Buffalo keeping Davison Igbinosun ahead of him on the depth chart. Against the Rams on Monday, Hairston played just 15 snaps on defense.
How has Maxwell Hairston actually performed statistically this season?
Quarterbacks have completed only 10 of 21 passes thrown in Hairston's direction, and aside from a tough game against New England, he has played pretty well. Every other starting cornerback on the Bills has actually performed worse than him.
Why is Maxwell Hairston a good fit for the Chicago Bears defense?
Hairston ran a 4.28 at the scouting combine, giving him the elite speed that defensive coordinator Dennis Allen loves, and his game is tailor-made for the man-heavy coverage Allen prefers to call. His lanky frame and ball production draw comparisons to Nahshon Wright, who thrived under defensive backs coach Al Harris last season.
What would it cost the Bears to trade for Maxwell Hairston?
With Hairston's playing time reduced and his roster status in limbo, his trade value is at a low point, making a 4th or 5th round pick a realistic cost. The Bears could potentially get a former first-round cornerback at a significant discount.
Erik Lambert
I’m a football writer with more than 15 years covering the Chicago Bears. I hold a master’s degree in the Teaching of Writing from Columbia College Chicago, and my work on Sports Mockery has earned more than twenty million views. I focus on providing analysis, context, and reporting on Bears strategy, roster decisions, and team developments, and I’ve shared insight on 670 The Score, ESPN 1000, and football podcasts in the U.S. and Europe.
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