The Buffalo Bills announced on March 6, 2026, the release of four players: cornerbacks Dane Jackson and Taron Johnson, safety Taylor Rapp, and wide receiver Curtis Samuel. These roster moves are part of the team’s efforts to manage salary cap space ahead of the upcoming season.
Salary Cap Implications and Player Contract Details
According to OverTheCap, cutting Taylor Rapp will free up $3.07 million in cap space, though it will leave $666,668 in dead money on the Bills’ books. Dane Jackson’s release provides an additional $1.21 million in cap relief, with $95,000 in dead money associated. Earlier on the same day, Johnson and Samuel were released, collectively generating $7.95 million in cap savings for Buffalo.
Background on Taylor Rapp’s Career with the Bills
Taylor Rapp, 27, was originally selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. After completing his rookie contract with Los Angeles, he signed a one-year deal with Buffalo in 2023 as an unrestricted free agent. The Bills subsequently extended him on a three-year contract reportedly worth up to $14.5 million in 2024. In the 2025 season, Rapp appeared in six games for Buffalo, contributing 26 tackles but no interceptions.
Dane Jackson’s Journey with the Bills and Other Teams
Dane Jackson, 29, entered the league as a seventh-round draft pick of the Bills in 2020 out of Pittsburgh. He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $3,376,306 but was waived after training camp and signed to the practice squad. Jackson moved between the practice squad and active roster before being re-signed as a restricted free agent. In 2024, he signed a two-year contract with the Carolina Panthers after leaving Buffalo but was released by Carolina before rejoining the Bills. During the 2025 season, Jackson played in three games and recorded three tackles for Buffalo.
Roster Changes Reflect Ongoing Strategy for Team Building
The Bills’ decision to release these four players, including Dane Jackson, signals an adjustment in roster composition and salary management as they prepare for the new NFL season. These moves are likely aimed at creating flexibility to pursue new talent through free agency or the draft. The changes reflect Buffalo’s continual effort to optimize their lineup and salary commitments in a competitive league environment.
The Bills have released the following players:
– CB Taron Johnson– CB Dane Jackson– S Taylor Rapp– WR Curtis Samuel
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) March 6, 2026
The Bills have released the following players:
– CB Taron Johnson
– CB Dane Jackson
– S Taylor Rapp
– WR Curtis Samuel— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) March 6, 2026
