Bills Back Maxwell Hairston Ahead of Rams Matchup

Buffalo Bills cornerback Maxwell Hairston will face the Los Angeles Rams on Monday after struggling against the New England Patriots, but head coach Joe Brady has maintained confidence in the 2025 first-round pick. Hairston is preparing for a matchup that could put him against receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams as Buffalo looks to improve its defensive performance.

According to Pro Football Reference, Drake Maye targeted Hairston eight times in Week 4, completing four passes for 44 yards and two touchdowns. Hairston has allowed a passer rating of at least 100.6 on 20 pass attempts, while opposing receivers have averaged 14.8 yards per completion against him this season.

Hairston, selected 30th overall out of Kentucky in 2025, has faced criticism from Bills fans and local media during a difficult start to his career. He also missed two tackles across four games, according to the source report.

Despite those struggles, Hairston expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to face Los Angeles while working to improve his individual performance and the defense as a whole.

"I think it would be a great time for me to go against those guys as I'm trying to get myself together, this defense get together. Another opportunity." Hairston said.

Brady has continued to support the young cornerback despite the challenges posed by the Rams' receiving corps. The coach said Hairston would remain on the field for Monday's game and emphasized the need for him to trust his abilities.

"He's going to be out there this Monday, and he's going to make a play," Brady said.

Brady also explained that the organization continued to believe in Hairston's potential and expected him to maintain confidence in himself.

"That's the confidence that we have in him, and I need him to have that confidence in himself. I think he does." Brady said.

Hairston has shown that he can perform effectively in certain situations. In Week 3, he allowed just one reception for seven yards, according to the source report.

However, Buffalo's broader defensive performance has remained a concern. During Jim Leonhard's first season as defensive coordinator, the Bills ranked 25th in points allowed, 31st in first downs allowed and 29th in passing touchdowns allowed, according to the source report.

The struggles have intensified scrutiny of Buffalo's defensive personnel and coaching. Hairston's selection has also drawn comparisons with the Rams' acquisition of Trent McDuffie, whom Los Angeles obtained after trading the 29th overall pick in 2026. McDuffie has ranked among the NFL's top five cornerbacks this season, according to the source report.

Hairston's performance against New England also drew attention after he left the locker room without addressing the media. He later apologized for the incident, according to the source report.