Slot cornerback Taron Johnson, one of the Raiders’ many notable offseason additions, has not been present for voluntary workouts. Johnson’s absence is related to his contract, Vincent Bonsignore of the California Post reports.
Then in the midst of an eight-season tenure in Buffalo, Johnson signed a three-year, $31MM extension in March 2024. The deal temporarily made Johnson the highest-paid slot corner in the NFL. While Johnson still has two years and over $17MM in base salaries left on the pact, there is just $1.175MM in guaranteed money remaining. The soon-to-be 30-year-old is seeking “more security” as a result, per Bonsignore.
The Bills were reportedly going to release Johnson before the Raiders agreed to acquire him in a late-round pick swap on March 8, the day before the new league year began. With rookie coordinator Jim Leonhard installing a new scheme, the Bills no longer saw Johnson as a fit in their defense. The 2018 fourth-rounder evolved into one the game’s premier slot corners earlier in his career, but injuries helped lead to a decline in performance in his final two years in Buffalo.
Johnson has missed nine games since 2024, including four last season. Over 13 games in 2025, the one-time second-team All-Pro registered 57 tackles and four passes defensed. He went without an interception and finished as Pro Football Focus’ 75th-ranked corner among 112 qualifiers.
While Johnson was no longer in Buffalo’s plans, Las Vegas is hoping he and a slew of other offseason pickups upgrade its defense next season. Kwity Paye, Quay Walker, Nakobe Dean, Treydan Stukes, Keyron Crawford and Jermod McCoy are among Johnson’s fellow newcomers who could be in for big roles. Drafting Stukes, a second-round pick from Arizona, gave the Raiders another slot-capable option to join Johnson. That’s assuming Johnson shows up at some point. He has only missed voluntary work so far, but the Raiders’ mandatory minicamp starts June 6. If Johnson is still away from his new team then, he will be subject to fines.
Taron, I love you, but bro, read the room.
Cue Stephen A Smith prattling on about “pay da man his bag”
Play. Your. Deal.
Honestly, im not against guys trying to leverage a better situation for themselves. The teams do it all the time.
I just dont see how Taron has much leverage. He was ground to a pulp in the Buffalo Nickle scheme. Im guessing, too, part of the appeal for Vegas when dealing for him was his lack of guaranteed money. Why would they want to give a banged up guy security they dont have to? If they do, how much would it really be?
Seems his best bet to future earnings is to get out there and show hes still got it.
Miss that many games and workouts?? Adios buddy
I don’t personally see it but best of luck to him getting that security.