Bills hope 3rd time's the charm in signing cornerback Gaines

The Buffalo Bills are giving oft-injured cornerback E.J. Gaines a third opportunity to resume his career by agreeing to a one-year contract on Thursday. This marks the second consecutive offseason Gaines has signed with Buffalo. He then missed all of last season after sustaining a core muscle injury during training camp.

Buffalo first acquired Gaines in a trade that sent receiver Sammy Watkins to the Los Angeles Rams in the summer of 2017. He started 11 games with the Bills that year, playing alongside rookie Tre’Davious White.

The 28-year-old Gaines is familiar with Buffalo’s defensive system, which hasn’t changed since coach Sean McDermott took over in 2017. His addition provides the Bills depth in their backfield, which now includes veteran Josh Norman.

Gaines has five seasons of NFL experience, including an injury-shortened six-game stint with Cleveland in 2018.

Overall, he has four interceptions and four forced fumbles in 48 career games, including 38 starts.