The Las Vegas Raiders' voluntary workouts begin this week, but Taron Johnson will not be in attendance despite the franchise trading for his services earlier this offseason
17:01 ET, 17 May 2026Updated 17:01 ET, 17 May 2026
Taron Johnson had spent his entire career with the Buffalo Bills, who picked him in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft
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Taron Johnson had spent his entire career with the Buffalo Bills, who picked him in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft(Image: Getty Images)
The Las Vegas Raiders are locked in surprise contract negotiations with Taron Johnson after trading for the cornerback earlier this offseason.
The Raiders are in the midst of a crucial offseason. The franchise brought in the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl-winning offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak, as their new head coach and added a quarterback in Fernando Mendoza, the 2026 NFL Draft No. 1 overall pick that received the seal of approval from Donald Trump.
Other moves have been made in free agency and elsewhere in the draft to bolster the Raiders’ roster. Las Vegas added to its secondary, trading for Johnson.
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The Raiders and Buffalo Bills swapped sixth and seventh-round picks as part of the deal, but the player isn’t ready to suit up for his new team just yet. Johnson is hoping his contract will be restructured with improved terms now that he’s landed in Sin City.
Now, Tom Brady and the Raiders will need to gauge just how much Johnson is worth. The 29-year-old allegedly wants more money promised for the future; according to reports, the $18 million he is set to make over the next two seasons is not guaranteed.
Johnson is entering the final two seasons of a three-year, $31 million contract extension he originally signed with the Bills. And as he awaits security, the cornerback is refusing to take to the practice field.
Johnson has been absent from voluntary workouts. He will likely return to action once terms are agreed.
The Raiders' offseason schedule is firmly underway, with voluntary workouts underway. However, mandatory minicamp begins on June 6, and the organization will undoubtedly be keen to ensure Johnson returns before then.
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Taron Johnson has recorded 6 career interceptions and 48 passes defended in his NFL career, as well as an additional 101-yard interception return for a touchdown in the playoffs
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Taron Johnson has recorded 6 career interceptions and 48 passes defended in his NFL career, as well as an additional 101-yard interception return for a touchdown in the playoffs(Image: Getty Images)
The trade for Johnson addresses a key need for the Raiders. The secondary was a problem under Pete Carroll last season, with teams throwing on the Raiders at will as the franchise floundered to a 3-14 record in 2025.
But Las Vegas is looking to turn a corner. Along with Johnson, linebackers Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean have been brought in, while former Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum was one of the banner free agency additions around the league.
Mendoza is the headline acquisition, but Kirk Cousins is also in the quarterback room to help the rookie adjust and get to grips with the NFL before coming in to start. The 22-year-old told local media in early May that he doesn't think it's a "good look" for a rookie to miss OTAs, even to visit the White House, highlighting how locked in he is on thriving for the Raiders.
“I believe May 11 is the first day of OTAs, if I’m not mistaken,” Mendoza said when asked about visiting the White House. If it is on the first day of OTAs, I’m at the bottom of the totem pole here. I’ve got to prove myself.
“I can’t miss practice. As a rookie, I don’t think that’s a good look. I’m trying to best serve my teammates, and I don’t know if that would be accomplishing my goal.”
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The Raiders open the 2026 NFL season against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium on Sept. 13.