The Buffalo Bills have traded cornerback Taron Johnson to the Las Vegas Raiders, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The move allows Buffalo to avoid releasing the veteran slot corner while giving the Raiders a proven nickel back who excels in coverage and tackling.
Johnson, 29, was set to become a cap casualty before the trade. His 2026 base salary of $6.25 million becomes fully guaranteed on the fifth day of the league year (March 18, 2026), and the Bills were reportedly planning to cut him to create cap space. By trading him instead, Buffalo saves the full cap hit while only giving up a late-round pick.
Dec 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage as Buffalo Bills center Eric Wood (70) snaps the ball against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage as Buffalo Bills center Eric Wood (70) snaps the ball against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Buffalo Bills Trade Taron Johnson to Las Vegas Raiders in 6/7 Swap
Taron Johnson has been one of the NFL’s most consistent slot corners since breaking out in 2019. In 2025, he recorded 57 tackles, 0 interceptions, 4 passes defensed in 13 games (8 starts). His quickness, instincts, and tackling reliability make him an ideal fit for the Raiders’ defense, especially as Las Vegas looks to rebuild its secondary after a rough 3-14 season.
The addition gives the Raiders a high-floor veteran to pair with younger corners and provides depth and competition in a unit that desperately needs improvement.
Fan Reactions to the Taron Johnson Trade
East Rutherford, NJ -- October 14, 2024 -- Taron Johnson of Buffalo and Terrel Bernard of Buffalo after Johnson intercepted a pass, ending a late game drive for the Jets. The Buffalo Bills came to MetLife Stadium to play the NY Jets. The Jets played their first game under new interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich.
East Rutherford, NJ — October 14, 2024 — Taron Johnson of Buffalo and Terrel Bernard of Buffalo after Johnson intercepted a pass, ending a late game drive for the Jets. The Buffalo Bills came to MetLife Stadium to play the NY Jets. The Jets played their first game under new interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich.
Bills Mafia expressed mixed feelings on social media:
Many Bills fans were disappointed to lose a reliable starter: “Taron Johnson was one of our best DBs. Hate to see him go, but cap is cap.”
Others understood the move: “Smart business by Beane. Taron’s great, but $6M+ for a nickel when we have younger guys ready is tough to justify.”
Raiders fans were excited: “Taron Johnson in the slot? That’s a massive upgrade. Welcome to Vegas!”
The trade is one of the early moves of the 2026 NFL offseason and sets the stage for both teams to reshape their secondary rooms.
Stay tuned for updates on the Taron Johnson trade, Buffalo Bills cap moves, Las Vegas Raiders secondary additions, and all the latest NFL offseason news.
Related Reading:
Reason Why Dak Prescott’s Fiancée Broke Up With Him Leaked, Fans In Shock
Breaking: Travis Kelce Makes Decision On 2026 Season With Chiefs (Report)
Look: Buffalo Bills Unveil New Logo Ahead Of 2026 Season (Photo)
“Completely Unexpected” Patrick Mahomes Announces Shocking Injury News (Report)
“They Got Him” Packers Steal All-Pro And Pro Bowler From Colts In Surprise Trade (Report)
“This Is Sick” Trump Ripped Apart After Posting Iran Bombings With NFL Highlights In Same Video “Touchdown”