Raiders Bolster Slot CB Position With Taron Johnson Trade

Veteran acquisition has edge, but Raiders have in-house and draft options to compete for the role

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:41pm

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The Las Vegas Raiders have made a key move to bolster their defensive secondary, trading for veteran slot cornerback Taron Johnson from the Buffalo Bills. Johnson, a physical and experienced defender, is expected to be the frontrunner for the starting slot CB role. However, the Raiders also have some in-house options like Greedy Vance and Decamerion Richardson, as well as potential draft targets like Miami's Keionte Scott, Clemson's Avieon Terrell, and Indiana's D'Angelo Ponds, who could compete for the job.

Why it matters

The Raiders' defense is a key focus this offseason as they look to improve under new coordinator Rob Leonard. Securing a reliable and versatile slot cornerback is crucial, as that player will be tasked with covering a variety of pass catchers and providing run support. Johnson's addition gives the Raiders an experienced veteran, but they will need to ensure they have adequate depth and competition at the position.

The details

The Raiders traded a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills to acquire Johnson and a seventh-round selection. Johnson, a fourth-round pick in 2018, has been a productive starter for the Bills, recording 572 total tackles, 48 pass deflections, and 8 forced fumbles over his career. The 29-year-old brings a physical, aggressive playstyle that makes him one of the better slot corners in the NFL, though his injury history is a concern. The Raiders' in-house options include Greedy Vance and Decamerion Richardson, while the 2026 draft class offers potential targets like Keionte Scott, Avieon Terrell, and D'Angelo Ponds.

  • The Raiders made the trade for Johnson the weekend before the start of free agency.
  • Johnson is entering his 9th NFL season in 2026.

The players

Taron Johnson

A 29-year-old veteran cornerback who was traded from the Buffalo Bills to the Las Vegas Raiders. Johnson is known for his physical tackling ability and versatility to cover a variety of pass catchers from the slot position.

Greedy Vance

A 24-year-old cornerback for the Raiders who played 92 defensive snaps in 2025, recording 8 tackles and 1 pass deflection.

Decamerion Richardson

A 24-year-old cornerback for the Raiders who played primarily on special teams in 2025, logging 204 snaps and 11 tackles.

Keionte Scott

A 25-year-old cornerback prospect from the University of Miami who is considered a potential early-round target for the Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft. Scott is known for his physical, aggressive play style as a slot corner.

Avieon Terrell

A cornerback prospect from Clemson University who could be an option for the Raiders in the 2026 draft. Terrell is a smooth press-man cover corner with the ability to provide run support and blitz the quarterback.

D'Angelo Ponds

A cornerback prospect from Indiana University who could be a mid-round target for the Raiders in 2026. Ponds is a smaller but physical defender who excels in coverage and run defense.

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What they’re saying

“We must bolster our secondary to compete in the AFC West. Taron Johnson gives us an experienced, physical presence in the slot.”

— John Spytek, General Manager, Las Vegas Raiders (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

“The draft class has some intriguing slot corner prospects, but Johnson's proven track record gives us a leg up heading into the season.”

— Klint Kubiak, Head Coach, Las Vegas Raiders (Raiders.com)

What’s next

The Raiders will monitor Johnson's health and evaluate the in-house and draft options to determine the best fit for the starting slot cornerback role.

The takeaway

The Raiders have made a savvy move to acquire a veteran slot cornerback in Taron Johnson, but they will need to ensure they have adequate depth and competition at the position to withstand the rigors of the NFL season. The 2026 draft class offers some intriguing prospects, but Johnson's experience and proven production give the Raiders a solid foundation to build their secondary around.