BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 02: Cornerback Taron Johnson #7 of the Buffalo Bills warms up against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 02, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
The Las Vegas Raiders have made a significant move in their offseason by acquiring Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson. This trade was confirmed by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, who described the details surrounding the transaction.
“Trade: The #Raiders are trading for #Bills veteran CB Taron Johnson. It’s a 6/7 pick swap. Johnson was announced as a release but was not officially on the wire yet. Las Vegas pounces,” Rapoport stated.
Raiders Trade for Bills’ Cornerback Taron Johnson
Just recently, Aaron Rodgers praised Johnson, referring to him as “one of the best players in the league” and “one of the most underrated players in the league.” He commended Johnson’s versatility, noting that he can effectively play as a box linebacker and excel in pass coverage.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen also holds Johnson in high regard. “What he’s done for this football team, and the rock that he is… He’s definitely one that helps set the tone,” Allen stated. Johnson’s influence in the locker room and on the field has undoubtedly made him a vital part of the Bills.
Now, Taron Johnson is headed to Las Vegas, where he will look to continue his development and impact in a new environment.
Full Trade Details
According to Spotrac, here’s a breakdown of the trade:
Raiders Receive:
- CB Taron Johnson
- 7th round pick
- 2026: $8.67M salary
- 2027: $10M salary
Bills Receive:
“$1.75M of Johnson’s 2026 salary becomes fully guaranteed on March 15th,” Spotrac noted. The Bills also take on $9.5M in dead cap but free up $1.9M in salary cap space.
The Bills organization reflected on their decision to move on from Johnson, who completed his eighth year with the team and made significant contributions. Last season, he played in 13 games, started eight, and logged 57 tackles, four passes defensed, and one tackle for loss.
Over his eight-season career in Buffalo, Johnson accumulated impressive statistics: 572 tackles, 48 passes defensed, 23 tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits, eight forced fumbles, six interceptions, and three fumble recoveries. His development into one of the premier nickel cornerbacks in the NFL culminated in his second-team All-Pro selection in 2023.
Johnson is perhaps best remembered for his memory-making 101-yard pick-six against the Ravens during the 2020-21 NFL Playoffs, a play that defined not just his career but also the franchise’s postseason legacy.
Drafted in the fourth round in the 2018 NFL Draft from Weber State, Johnson suited up for 113 games, starting 87. His journey with the Bills was one filled with growth, leadership, and impactful plays, making him an invaluable player.
Now, under the guidance of first-year defensive coordinator Rob Leonard, the Raiders are poised to integrate Johnson into their defensive scheme as they aim to capitalize on their substantial salary cap space, currently leading the NFL with $121.7 million according to OvertheCap.com. This acquisition is likely just one of many strategic moves that the Raiders plan to make this offseason.