The Buffalo Bills have been active this offseason, trading for DJ Moore and hiring Joe Brady as head coach. Their latest move is releasing cornerback Taron Johnson, who joined the team in 2018. How did the media react? Yes, mainly for two reasons.
Was This the Right Move by the Buffalo Bills?
First, Johnson struggled last season, earning a C- from PFSN’s CB Metric Impact. His best grade was a C+ in Week 11 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In addition to Johnson’s struggles, the Bills are also undergoing changes on defense. As 13WHAM anchor Dan Fetes put it, “Everyone knew there would be changes from Sean McDermott’s defense to Jim Leonhard’s.”
To further explain, Leonhard joins the Bills from the Denver Broncos coaching staff. Leonhard helped lead the Broncos to the best-graded defense, according to the PFSN NFL Defense Metric Impact, earning an A-.
Everyone knew there would be changes from Sean McDermott’s defense to Jim Leonhard’s….
The changes have BEGUN. https://t.co/LAMy8eR5Uw
— Dan Fetes (@danfetes) March 6, 2026
Still, Johnson might have fit in Leonhard’s system. Mike Catalana of 13WHAM noted there was talk of Johnson moving to safety. He wrote on X, “There was some talk of him moving to Safety. His play tailed off in large part due to injures. An outstanding Bills player for a long time.”
There was some talk of him moving to Safety. His play tailed off in large part due to injures. An outstanding Bills player for a long time. https://t.co/efEpcvpOzu
— Mike Catalana (@MikeCatalana) March 6, 2026
However, as sports director Matthew Bové said, “Still think he can play, just a tough fit with what the Bills are trying to do.”
Hell of a run for Taron Johnson. Was a hell of a player for a long time. Still think he can play, just a tough fit with what the Bills are trying to do. https://t.co/WJVOYpKSnV
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) March 6, 2026
What was made clear by many is that even though Johnson is not playing for the Bills, he will find a home and possibly quickly.
Aaron Rodgers stated that “Taron Johnson is one of the best players in the league, and one of the most underrated players. He can play a box linebacker and stop the run, and he can cover guys.”
Aaron Rodgers unpromoted this week on Taron Johnson, who was just released:
“Taron Johnson is one of the best players in the league, and one of the most underrated players. He can play a box linebacker and stop the run, and he can cover guys”
(🎥 @PatMcAfeeShow) https://t.co/hNwfiVNAN4 pic.twitter.com/ayywnoSdQ0
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 6, 2026
One possible destination for Johnson is the Seattle Seahawks. Rodgers highlighted his versatility. Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald has used players like Nick Emmanwori in many roles. With Riq Woolen entering free agency, Johnson could be an option.
Another team to watch is the Dallas Cowboys. As host of Locked on Cowboys, Marcus Mosher said: “Johnson turns 30 in July, but he is EXACTLY what Christian Parker is looking for in a slot defender.”
Parker is the Cowboys’ newest defensive coordinator. Parker is coming from the Philadelphia Eagles, who had great slot play.
Johnson turns 30 in July, but he is EXACTLY what Christian Parker is looking for in a slot defender. https://t.co/8Hj5t7P1hv
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) March 6, 2026
Whether it be Cooper DeJean or Quinyon Mitchell, the Eagles saw success from the slot. So Parker could do a great job coaching Johnson in that position.
Wherever Johnson goes, he will have many fans in Buffalo. As Greg from Cover 1 said, “Wow… end of an era. He’s been a huge @Cover1 favorite over the years. Wish Taron nothing but the best.”
On the Bills’ side, the future at cornerback looks promising due to the talent in this year’s draft. At pick 26, several quality corners may be available, including Keith Abney II from Arizona State, Brandon Cisse from South Carolina, or Colton Hood from Tennessee.
Overall, this was the right move for the Bills, and Johnson should see success elsewhere in the league.
