Trending Now - Raiders Acquire Cornerback Taron Johnson From Bills
WHO:
Taron Johnson, 29 years old, was a fourth-round pick of the Bills in 2018.
Kyu Blu Kelly, cornerback for the Raiders.
Darien Porter, third-round pick in 2025 for the Raiders.
Eric Stokes, unrestricted free agent and defensive back.
Las Vegas Raiders
Buffalo Bills
Taron Johnson, cornerback
Brandon Beane, president of football operations/general manager of the Bills
Jim Leonhard, new defensive coordinator of the Bills
John Spytek, general manager of the Raiders
WHAT:
The Bills initially announced they would be releasing Taron Johnson before the Raiders intervened to trade for him.
Johnson has six interceptions, eight sacks, and eight forced fumbles during his time with the Bills.
The Raiders' defense ranked 25th in points allowed last season.
The Raiders have agreed to trade for Taron Johnson.
The Raiders are sending a sixth-round pick to the Bills and receiving a seventh-round pick in return.
Johnson has 113 regular-season appearances and 87 regular-season starts.
Johnson was a second-team All-Pro in 2023.
Johnson has eight interceptions, 48 passes defended, eight forced fumbles, and 572 tackles in his career.
Johnson's 2026 base salary is $8.1 million, with a $150,000 workout bonus and $510,000 in per-game roster bonuses.
WHERE:
Henderson, Nevada (location of the Raiders)
Buffalo, New York (location of the Bills)
WHEN:
The trade was reported on Sunday, March 5th, 2026.
The new league year opens on Wednesday, March 8th, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET.
WHY:
The Bills are moving on from Johnson as they shift to a 3-4 defensive philosophy under new coordinator Jim Leonhard.
The Bills are shifting to a different defensive philosophy, moving from a 4-3 base to a 3-4 under new coordinator Jim Leonhard.
The Raiders are addressing a need at cornerback due to a lack of talent and depth in the position group last season.
HOW:
The Raiders decided to trade for Johnson before he could become a free agent after the Bills planned to release him.
The Raiders intervened to trade for Johnson before he could become a free agent after the Bills planned to release him.
(UPDATED March 9, 2026 07:17 UTC)
In a significant move, the Raiders have traded for cornerback Taron Johnson, who was initially set to be released by the Bills as they transition to a 3-4 defensive scheme under new coordinator Jim Leonhard. Johnson, a fourth-round pick by the Bills in 2018, has made a notable impact with six interceptions, eight sacks, and eight forced fumbles during his tenure. The Raiders, who ranked 25th in points allowed last season, are looking to bolster their defense with this acquisition.
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(UPDATED March 9, 2026 05:23 UTC)
The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to trade for cornerback Taron Johnson from the Buffalo Bills, sending a sixth-round pick in exchange for a seventh-round pick. Johnson, who has made 113 regular-season appearances and was a second-team All-Pro in 2023, has a career total of eight interceptions and 572 tackles, and he will carry a base salary of $8.1 million this season. This trade comes as the Bills shift their defensive strategy under new coordinator Jim Leonhard, while the Raiders look to bolster their cornerback depth after a challenging season.