Taron Johnson
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 04: Eric Stokes #22 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs onto the field prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)
If corner Eric Stokes leaves during free agency, or the Las Vegas Raiders simply want to add to the cornerback room, All-Pro CB Taron Johnson is now available with the Buffalo Bills releasing him on Friday.
Johnson, 29, started 87 games for Buffalo and was an All-Pro in 2023, but was released due to not fitting the Bills’ new defensive scheme.
Aaron Rodgers recently called Johnson one of the best players in the league, appearing on the Pat McAfee show and saying, “Taron Johnson is one of the best players in the league, and he’s one of the most underrated players in the league. He can play a box linebacker and stop the run and he can cover guys.”
If the Raiders aren’t able to agree on an extension for Stokes, look for Johnson to be a top option.
Nate Geary
Shoutout Taron Johnson. He’s been one of the most reliable defenders they’ve had in two decades. Sacrificed his body played hurt, and will have likely the most memorable play of the Josh Allen era.
Raiders Have Ideal Eric Stokes Contingency Plan
Despite the Raiders having $86 million in cap space, according to OvertheCap.com as of March 6th, could lose Eric Stokes during free agency to another team.
The Athletic’s Daniel Popper has Stokes projected to sign a two-year, $20 million deal, writing, “A 2021 first-round pick with the Packers, Stokes hit free agency last offseason and had to settle for a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Raiders. He played well in coordinator Patrick Graham’s scheme, and now he is positioned for a more lucrative free-agent deal.”
Again, even if the Raiders keep him, an NFL team can never have too many cornerbacks, and Johnson being available should be extremely enticing for first-year defensive coordinator Rob Leonard.
What Taron Johnson Brings to the Table
Taron Johnson
GettyTaron Johnson #7 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates an interception with Terrel Bernard #43.
Johnson was a leader on the Bills’ defense and was tied for the most quarterback pressures among all slot corners since entering the league before the 2025 season.
He’s not a typical corner as Johnson can get into the box and make plays in the backfield with eight sacks and eight forced fumbles across eight seasons with the Bills.
Bills star QB Josh Allen commented on Johnson, saying, “What he’s done for this football team, and the rock that he is. I wouldn’t say he’s the most vocal guy, but he is a leader on this team. And guys look up to him, the way he works, the way that he carries himself each and every day in this building, it’s infectious. He’s a great teammate, a great friend… He’s definitely one that helps set the tone when people get here of how to be a Buffalo Bill and got a lot of love and respect for Taron.”
The Bills’ decision to release Johnson was certainly one of the hardest decisions general manager Brandon Beane had to make, and now that he’s on the open market, the Raiders should look into bringing in a guy who provides more than just top-notch performance on the field.
“Humility,” Raiders GM John Spytek said regarding intangibles he looks for in players. “A great passion to play the game of football. It’s such a hard game. Your competitive spirit has to run really high. You’ve got to be willing to play through a bunch of tough circumstances. And, you know, to me, it always goes back to the love of the game. The guys that love truly love the game of football. They love to practice. They love to prepare. They love to watch film. They love to do, you know, play hurt. So, I mean, those things are – I’m kind of uncompromising on those things.”
That’s exactly who the Raiders will get in Johnson.