Bills Insider Names $11.4 Million Veteran as Surprise Cut Candidate

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According to Buffalo Bills insider Katherine Fitzgerald, veteran cornerback Taron Johnson could be a surprise cut candidate this offseason. Johnson, who is set to earn $11.4 million in 2026, has seen his play decline over the past two seasons, leading to him losing his starting job at times. With the Bills' new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard set to implement his own scheme, Johnson may be the odd man out in the secondary, making him a potential salary cap casualty.

Why it matters

The Bills are looking to create salary cap space ahead of free agency, and releasing Johnson could save them $8.67 million. However, the team may try to restructure his contract first before outright cutting him, as he has spent his entire career in Buffalo.

The details

After earning a spot on the All-Pro Second Team in 2023, Johnson's play has fallen off, to the point where he lost his starting job at times in 2025. With the Bills' new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard set to make the team's defensive scheme his own, Johnson could be the odd man out in the secondary due to his struggles on the boundary.

• The Bills' offseason is just getting underway, with free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft on the horizon.
• The next few weeks will be crucial for the Bills as they assess their roster and look to create salary cap space.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Bills will need to decide whether to restructure Taron Johnson's contract or release him in the coming weeks, as they look to create salary cap space ahead of free agency.