Taron Johnson Reportedly Released by Bills After DJ Moore Trade, Top Potential Landing Spots

The Buffalo Bills released cornerback Taron Johnson on Friday, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

The Bills are also releasing wide receiver Curtis Samuel, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Johnson's release comes one day after the Bills acquired wide receiver DJ Moore in a trade with the Chicago Bears, receiving Moore and a 2026 fifth-round pick in exchange for a 2026 second-round draft choice.

Johnson could find a new home on a team looking for more consistency from its secondary such as the Washington Commanders, who owned the NFL's No. 28 pass defense last season.

Aaron Rodgers recently praised Johnson's versatility as well, which might lead to the Pittsburgh Steelers as a landing spot for him in free agency.

While Rodgers is also set to become a free agent after starting for the Steelers in 2025, he could return to the organization after making a decision regarding a possible retirement.

Johnson has spent his entire career with the Bills, as they selected him with a fourth-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft.

After opening his tenure in Buffalo as a depth option, he steadily carved out a starting role within the team's secondary. The 29-year-old eventually earned a Second Team All-Pro selection for his 2023 campaign.

Johnson only appeared in 13 games during the 2025 season, as he missed time due to a groin injury.

When healthy, he racked up 57 tackles, four passes defended and one tackle for loss. He allowed a 97.8 passer rating when targeted, according to Pro Football Focus.

Bills general manager Brandon Beane discussed the possibility of moving Johnson to safety under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard in 2026, but the team ultimately chose to part ways with him (via SI.com's Ralph Ventre).

As Buffalo prepares for free agency, the team will undoubtedly target players that fit Leonhard's system following Johnson's reported release.