The Buffalo Bills are exploring significant adjustments for the 2026 offseason, focusing on their defensive backfield amid a transition to new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. A key development under consideration is moving longtime nickel cornerback Taron Johnson to safety, as the team aims to align its roster with Leonhard’s strategy and optimize player roles.
Johnson’s Role Shifting with New Defensive Scheme
Since joining the Bills in 2018, Johnson has been a mainstay as the team’s primary nickel cornerback. However, general manager Brandon Beane shared that the coaching staff is contemplating repositioning Johnson to safety starting in 2026, according to Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News. This proposed change reflects the move away from former head coach Sean McDermott’s defense, which relied heavily on Johnson’s role in the nickelback spot.
Adjusting to a 3-4 Base Defense Under Coordinator Jim Leonhard
Leonhard plans to implement a 3-4 defensive scheme designed to boost the Bills’ pass rush and increase pressure on opposing quarterbacks. This system reduces the emphasis on the traditional nickel cornerback role, prompting the team to evaluate how to best utilize Johnson’s skills within their evolving defense.
Leveraging Depth in the Bills’ Defensive Backfield
The Bills have considerable depth at cornerback, including players such as Christian Benford, Dane Jackson, Tre’Davious White, Maxwell Hairston, and Dorian Strong, all under contract for 2026. Hairston and Strong, who have both shown promise as rookies, are expected to be key contributors as second-year players. Moving Johnson to safety could maximize the value of this talent pool by freeing up the cornerback position for emerging players.
Johnson’s Tackling Strength Makes Safety Position a Natural Fit
Though Johnson has spent his career as a cornerback, his evolution into a strong tackler makes the safety spot a logical next step. At 29 years old, he posted a 68.3 tackling grade in 2025, ranking 59th among 217 cornerbacks evaluated by Pro Football Focus. This physicality aligns well with the responsibilities typically demanded of safeties in the modern NFL.
Performance Highlights and Future Outlook
Before recent injuries slowed his play, Johnson recorded career highs in 2023 with 98 tackles and three forced fumbles, earning second-team All-Pro honors. This level of production underscores his capability to make a significant impact from a safety position moving forward. The anticipated position change reflects the Bills’ intent to adapt their defense while capitalizing on Johnson’s versatile skill set.
A lot more to come after #Bills GM Brandon Beane met with the media here at the scouting combine, but one quick note of interest: The team isn't ruling out a possible position change for nickel cornerback Taron Johnson to safety. Beane said that's something that'll be considered.
— Jay Skurski (@JaySkurski) February 24, 2026
