The Las Vegas Raiders acquired Taron Johnson and a 2026 seventh-round pick from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick, essentially inheriting a two-year, $18.7 million contract. The former Second-Team All-Pro slot cornerback is seeking a fresh start in Las Vegas after recently not living up to his three-year, $30.75 million contract extension signed in the 2023 offseason. In addition, Johnson aims for better health after missing seven games due to injuries over the past two seasons.
However, despite his desire for a fresh start, he has thus far skipped voluntary offseason workouts.
Why the Las Vegas Raiders’ 2nd-Team All-Pro newcomer is “holding out”
Buffalo Bills, Taron Johnson
Aug 12, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson warms up before a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
According to Vincent Bonsignore of The California Post,Taron Johnson has been “holding out” of voluntary workouts due to contract-related reasons. He only has $1.175 million guaranteed in 2026, with 2027, the final year, non-guaranteed. Since the Raiders drafted Treydan Stukes in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Raiders could replace Johnson with Stukes in the slot next year and easily move on from Second-Team All-Pro next offseason, which explains why he wants roster security.
Per sources: CB Taron Johnson’s absence at @Raiders voluntary offseason workouts is contract related. The $18M he’s on the books for in ’26 & ’27 is non guaranteed. Makes sense he’s looking for more security.
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) May 16, 2026
The Raiders could either rework or extend Taron Johnson’s contract by adding guaranteed money or restructure it by converting some of his base salary into guaranteed money or a bonus. It will be interesting to see how the front office handles his contract situation, especially given that he turns 30 in July and hasn’t played a single snap with the team. Additionally, we have no idea about whether Johnson can return to his 2023 form.