With an eight-figure contract, a Bills veteran becomes the “Highest Paid” Nickel CB.
To become cap-compliant, general manager of the Buffalo Bills Brandon Beane is drastically altering the roster. Beane meant business after he unceremoniously cut many longstanding veterans before free agency.
But sticking with it is a crucial component of Bills head coach Sean McDermott’s defense. On Monday, March 18, ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed the news: “According to a source, the Bills are signing All-Pro DB Taron Johnson to a three-year extension, making him the highest-paid nickel back in the NFL.” He will remain with Buffalo until the 2027 campaign.
Taron Johnson has signed a three-year, $31 million contract deal with Buffalo, according to Schefter. agent, Jason Chayut.”
“In slot cornerback terms, it’s a three-year, $620 million nickel extension,” said AJ Feldman of News 8.
Johnson has lived and worked in Buffalo his entire career. The 2018 NFL Draft fourth-round selection for the Bills started all 17 of the team’s games in 2018. With 98 total tackles, 8 passes defensed, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery, he set a career high. The 27-year-old recorded eight more tackles overall and one forced fumble in two playoff games. According to Pro Football Talk, Johnson played in 89% of the team’s defensive snaps.
Johnson was previously committed to the Bills for three years and $24 million, a deal that lasted until 2024. But it appears they intended to keep Johnson under wraps for the near future after letting go of experienced defensive back Siran Neal. It probably lessens his 2024 $12.4 million cap hit as well.
Mike Catalana of 13 WHAM wrote on social media, “It’s safe to say Taron Johnson has been the best defensive player for the Bills in his six years. Johnson ought to be the group’s leader at this point.
The Webster State graduate was named to the Second Team All-Pro the previous campaign. The 192-pound, 5-foot-11 player has made 67 starts in 88 games during his time in Buffalo. In all, 450 tackles, 39 pass defense, 7 forced fumbles, 4 interceptions, and 1 pick-six have been recorded by him.
Johnson’s deal was announced following the sudden departure of cornerback Siran Neal. Buffalo made Neal, a former fifth-round pick who was previously selected by the Bills in 2018, one of their initial set of cuts.
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