The Buffalo Bills have released cornerback Taron Johnson on Friday, according to NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler. The decision creates salary cap flexibility for the team and marks a significant roster change involving a longtime defensive player.
Financial and Contract Details Behind Johnson’s Release
By releasing Johnson, the Bills will clear $1.9 million in salary cap space but will absorb $9.5 million in dead money, as reported by OverTheCap. Johnson, who is 29 years old, originally joined Buffalo as a fourth-round draft pick from Weber State in 2018. He was set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2022 but secured a three-year, $24 million contract extension before that.
Most recently, he had signed another three-year contract valued at $31 million, with a base salary expected to be $6.5 million in the final year. This contract, however, will be cut short by the team’s release move.
Johnson’s Performance and Career Contributions
During the 2025 season, Johnson appeared in 13 games, recording 57 tackles, including one for loss, and made four pass defenses. His tenure with the Bills has been marked by consistent defensive contributions since his drafting.
Implications for the Bills’ Defensive Strategy
The release of Taron Johnson opens up opportunities for the Bills to adjust their defensive roster and salary allocations heading into the new season. It also reflects the team’s ongoing efforts to balance player performance with financial constraints as they prepare for upcoming free agency and roster moves.
The Bills are releasing corner Taron Johnson after eight seasons together, per source.
Johnson started 87 games for Buffalo and became an All Pro in 2023. pic.twitter.com/iZ5q473GBq
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 6, 2026
