Can Dee Alford's versatility wreck Bills final roster projections?

Dee Alford’s use as a utility defensive option is becoming a factor in how the Buffalo Bills shape their final 53-man roster by 6 p.m. Sunday. Signed in the offseason to a three-year, $15.75 million deal as the team’s new nickelback, Alford also has experience at boundary cornerback, where he played 143 snaps last season. The Bills still want punt return help, and candidates include running back Ray Davis and Mecole Hardman Jr., making Alford’s versatility relevant. In practice, he was asked to field punts again—something he said surprised him. Coach Jim Leonhard noted the value of creative use of players as injuries or performance issues can force lineup shifts. The roster picture is complicated by injuries to projected starters Christian Benford and Maxwell Hairston.