Bills Trade Veteran Cornerback Taron Johnson to Raiders

Buffalo receives a late-round draft pick swap in the deal for the former All-Pro defender.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Buffalo Bills have traded veteran cornerback Taron Johnson to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a late-round draft pick swap, according to reports. Johnson, a former All-Pro selection, spent eight seasons with the Bills but saw his role diminish after the team made coaching changes this offseason.

Why it matters

The trade of Johnson signals a shift in Buffalo's defensive strategy as they transition to a new 3-4 scheme under the team's new defensive coordinator. The move also opens up opportunities for younger players like Jordan Hancock to step up and fill the void left by Johnson's departure.

The details

The Bills will send one of their two 2026 seventh-round draft picks to the Raiders, who will in turn send a 2026 sixth-round selection back to Buffalo. Johnson, a fourth-round pick by the Bills in 2018, was a productive player during his time in Buffalo, recording 572 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, eight sacks, six interceptions and 48 passes defensed. However, his role was reduced last season as the team looked to utilize him less in the box and more in coverage.

  • The trade was reported on Sunday, March 9, 2026.
  • Johnson was reportedly released by the Bills earlier this week before the trade was finalized.
  • The new league year is set to begin on Wednesday, March 12, 2026 at 4 p.m.

The players

Taron Johnson

A former fourth-round draft pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2018, Johnson spent eight seasons with the team and was named a second-team All-Pro in 2023.

Jordan Hancock

A second-year pro for the Bills, Hancock is expected to have an increased opportunity to contribute with the departure of Johnson and the release of safety Taylor Rapp.

Jim Leonhard

The Bills' new defensive coordinator, Leonhard is expected to transition the team's defense to a 3-4 scheme that will require less use of a nickel cornerback like Johnson.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.