The Buffalo Bills have determined to maneuver on from a defensive cornerstone of former head coach Sean McDermott, with a report by Jeremy Fowler stating One Bills Drive is about to release nickel cornerback Taron Johnson after eight seasons. The transfer will save the Bills $8.76 million in obtainable money for the 2026 NFL season.
Buffalo chosen Johnson within the fourth spherical (decide 121 total) of the 2018 NFL Draft, and watched him go on to grow to be a shutdown cornerback who helped usher within the “Buffalo Nickel” protection so integral to McDermott’s system. Injuries appeared to take their toll on Johnson in latest seasons, each affecting his availability and skill on the sphere.
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In eight seasons and 117 regular-season video games, Johnson’s linebacker mentality and ballhawking nature noticed him declare 572 tackles (411 solo), 23 tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits, six interceptions (for 80 yards), two interception touchdowns, 48 cross defenses, eight compelled fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and one fumble landing. Johnson’s signature Bills play will at all times be the 101-yard landing he claimed after intercepting Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson throughout the 2020 playoffs.
In latest weeks, Johnson was mentioned by new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard as a gifted participant who he noticed able to enjoying any place within the defensive backfield, together with a possible shift to security. With the Bills anticipated to modify to a base 3-4 defensive system below Leonhard, many questioned how and if Johnson’s days as Buffalo’s nickel cornerback have been numbered.
