Twenty-four hours ago, Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson was informed he would be released along with safety Taylor Rapp, cornerback Dane Jackson, and wide receiver Curtis Samuel.
But by late Sunday evening, Johnson’s contract wasn’t terminated and he was traded to another team instead of becoming a free agent.
“Trade: The #Raiders are trading for #Bills veteran CB Taron Johnson, sources say. It’s a 6/7 pick swap,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport wrote on X. “Johnson was announced as a release, but not officially on the wire yet. Las Vegas pounces.”
The deal gives Buffalo a sixth-round pick (it didn’t have one previously), while Vegas still has one sixth-round pick and gains an extra seventh.
More News: Eagles-Vikings Have Discussed Blockbuster Trade for $76 Million Pro Bowler
More News: New ‘Sleeper’ Team Emerges in Mike Evans Sweepstakes
The 29-year-old Johnson is a welcomed addition to the Raiders secondary. The team is losing cornerbacks Eric Stokes and Darnay Holmes to free agency. Both were among the top four on the Raiders in coverage snaps played.
Conversely, Johnson played 438 coverage snaps last season for the Bills, allowing a 66.7 completion percentage, 398 yards receiving, two touchdowns, and a 94.5 passer rating against, per Pro Football Focus.
Johnson has two years left on his contract, which carries an $8.67 million cap hit in 2026.
More News: Broncos Insider Shoots Down Wild Trade Rumor Involving All-Pro Defender
In eight seasons in Buffalo, Johnson posted 572 tackles, 48 passes defensed, eight sacks, eight forced fumbles, six interceptions, three fumble recoveries, and two defensive touchdowns.
He earned his lone All-Pro honor in 2023. That season, he totaled 98 tackles and three forced fumbles — both career highs — along with eight passes defensed, an interception, and a fumble recovery.
