The Buffalo Bills have parted ways with long-time favorite Taron Johnson, per Jeremy Fowler. The move is not unexpected, as Jim Leonhard brings a new defense to the Bills in 2026. Still, Johnson was one of the most prolific Buffalo defenders over the last 8 seasons, and will be sorely missed by fans and coaches alike.
The Bills are releasing corner Taron Johnson after eight seasons together, per source.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 6, 2026
Johnson started 87 games for Buffalo and became an All Pro in 2023. pic.twitter.com/iZ5q473GBq
Bills release CB Taron Johnson
In an offseason of great upheaval, there's little surprise at the departure of Taron Johnson. There are expectations that the new defense will lean more heavily on outside linebackers, with a possible 3-4 scheme altering the needs of the roster.
Johnson may not have been a fit, but was still usable. Buffalo doesn't have a replacement in-house, and will need to find someone else to fill the role of nickel corner. The issue isn't just one of staffing, however, but of money.
Salary cap implications
In releasing Taron Johnson, the Bills save only a little money. With the choice to make him a conventional cut, not providing a post-June 1st designation, they deal with the entirety of the fallout in 2026; No kicking the can down the road this time. The team saves only $1.9m on the cap, and pays $9.5m in dead salary cap.
That move may seem shortsighted, but it prevents the money from biting Buffalo in 2027, and makes for a clean getaway. Taron Johnson gets a sizeable chunk of change and may sign anywhere he likes, and the Bills are happy to just move on. With new money hitting the books next season, like D.J. Moore's now-guaranteed contract, there's sense in taking their lumps right now instead.
Thanks for everything, Taron Johnson
With Taron Johnson in the rearview, Buffalo Bills fans have a lot to be thankful for. Taron Johnson gave them some elite play during his tenure. From his legendary 101-yard pick-6 against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens in the 2020 postseason, to the consistency and coverage he brought to the table, Taron is surely one of the greatest Bills of this generation. It isn't the end fans hoped for, but it was an incredible run.
In 8 regular seasons, Taron Johnson racked up 6 interceptions, 8 forced fumbles, 48 passes defensed, and 572 tackles. He also housed two turnovers, and was critical to the success of the team we know today. He will be sorely missed, and wherever he goes will find a proven competitor and beloved teammate.