5 Bills not named Josh Allen that needs to excel in 2024 to make playoffs

Oct 26, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) throws the ball to tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports / Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

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Taron Johnson

The final player is one who just got a new contract this offseason as nickel corner Taron Johnson is now the highest-paid nickel cornerback in the NFL. In the past, the nickel cornerback has primarily been used in sub-packages and a part-time starter.

However, the Bills play almost exclusively in the nickel formation and Johnson is essentially a starter for this defense. This past season he had 98 total tackles, one sack, three forced fumbles and eight passes defended while being named second-team All-Pro.

After all the moves made in the secondary, Johnson now steps into more of a leadership role as he is the most experienced player in this part of the defense. The coaching staff is going to need Johnson to not only help cornerbacks like Rasul Douglas and Christian Benford but also the safeties (likely a combination of Taylor Rapp, Mike Edwards and Cole Bishop).

The Buffalo Bills saw a number of key starters depart this offseason but players like Matt Milano and Taron Johnson can help lower the impact of their absence and continue to have the Bills defense play like a Top 5 unit.

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