Overview
- Buffalo officially released longtime nickel corner Taron Johnson and veteran safety Taylor Rapp on Friday, opening major holes in the defensive backfield days before free agency.
- The team also cut corner Dane Jackson and wide receiver Curtis Samuel, part of a broader roster reset under new head coach Joe Brady.
- Reporting ties the moves to a scheme shift from a 4-3 to a 3-4 under Leonhard and to cap management following the DJ Moore trade, with Rapp’s exit freeing about $3 million and ESPN noting $1.9 million in savings from Johnson.
- Johnson’s eight-year Bills tenure ends after 87 starts and a 2023 All-Pro nod, with recent injuries and reduced production cited in coverage as additional factors.
- Free agency opens March 11, and multiple outlets suggest Johnson is expected to draw interest on the open market, including from teams seeking a slot corner.