The Buffalo Bills found a trade partner for cornerback Taron Johnson rather than releasing the veteran defensive back as initially expected.
Buffalo dealt Johnson and a 2026 seventh-round draft pick to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The move came two days after the Bills announced plans to release Johnson as part of several salary-cap related roster decisions. Because Johnson had not yet been officially placed on waivers, the team was able to complete a trade instead.
Johnson had been included in a group of planned roster cuts alongside wide receiver Curtis Samuel, safety Taylor Rapp and cornerback Dane Jackson.
The late-round pick swap also helps replenish Buffalo’s draft capital after the team previously traded its sixth-round pick to the New York Jets in 2024 as part of the deal that brought return specialist Brandon Codrington to Buffalo.
The 28-year-old Johnson spent eight seasons with the Bills after being selected in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Weber State. He developed into one of the NFL’s top slot defenders during his time in Buffalo and earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2023.
Johnson appeared in 113 games with 87 starts for the Bills, totaling 572 tackles, six interceptions, eight forced fumbles, 23 tackles for loss, and 48 pass breakups. His most memorable moment came during the 2021 AFC Divisional Round when he returned an interception 101 yards for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens, tying the longest pick-six in NFL playoff history.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].