Bills Release Defender Aaron Rodgers Called ‘Underrated’
The Buffalo Bills have made a notable defensive decision ahead of the new league year. Veteran nickel cornerback Taron Johnson is being released after eight seasons with the franchise, a move that signals both a scheme shift and financial adjustments within the roster. Johnson had become one of the most reliable players in Buffalo’s secondary during his tenure. Even recently, Aaron Rodgers publicly praised Johnson as one of the most underrated defenders in the league. Despite that reputation, the Bills are moving in a different direction.
- Krishna Sagar
- 4 min read
Roster decisions in the NFL are rarely simple. Even players who have spent years establishing themselves as key contributors can suddenly find themselves looking for a new team when circumstances change.
That reality has now reached Buffalo’s defense. The Bills are releasing veteran cornerback Taron Johnson, ending a tenure that stretched nearly a decade. The decision closes a chapter for a player who developed into one of the most versatile defenders in the league and a cornerstone of Buffalo’s defensive system.
Johnson arrived in Buffalo as a fourth round pick out of Weber State in the 2018 NFL Draft. Few expected him to grow into such a vital piece of the defense. Over time, however, he became a fixture in the Bills’ secondary and one of the most respected nickel defenders in football.
The move also arrives shortly after Aaron Rodgers offered public praise for Johnson during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, highlighting just how highly the veteran defender was viewed across the league.
1. A Defensive Staple for Nearly a Decade
Johnson’s journey in Buffalo is one of steady development and reliability. Across eight seasons with the Bills, he appeared in 113 games and started 87 of them. During that span, he recorded 572 tackles, six interceptions, eight forced fumbles, eight sacks and 48 passes defended.
His versatility made him especially valuable in Buffalo’s defensive system. Johnson was not just a slot corner responsible for covering receivers. He regularly functioned as a hybrid defender who could stop the run, blitz the quarterback and handle coverage responsibilities.
Some of his most productive seasons came in recent years. Johnson recorded tackle totals of 98, 94 and 90 in three different campaigns, numbers that reflect how heavily involved he was in the defensive scheme.
Even in 2025, a season that saw his role slightly reduced, Johnson still finished with 57 tackles and four passes defended while appearing in 13 games.
2. Aaron Rodgers’ Public Praise
Johnson’s reputation across the league extends well beyond Buffalo. During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers singled Johnson out while discussing the Bills’ defense.
Rodgers described Johnson as one of the most underrated players in the NFL and highlighted how Buffalo often built its defensive approach around his versatility.
He explained that the Bills frequently used nickel packages as their base defense because Johnson could handle responsibilities normally associated with multiple positions.
Rodgers noted that Johnson could step into a box linebacker role, stop the run effectively and still hold up in coverage against wide receivers and tight ends. That kind of flexibility is rare, particularly for a defensive back who spends most of his snaps in the slot.
3. Scheme Change and Financial Reality
According to reports, Buffalo’s decision to release Johnson is connected partly to changes in the defensive scheme.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport indicated that the move “makes sense with the new defensive scheme,” suggesting the team may be shifting toward a system that places less emphasis on the type of hybrid nickel role Johnson filled for years.
There are also financial considerations. The Bills are navigating a tight salary cap situation, and releasing Johnson opens additional cap space for the front office as it prepares for free agency and roster adjustments.
While Johnson remained a respected veteran presence in the locker room, the combination of scheme changes and cap management appears to have pushed the organization toward a difficult decision.
4. A Player Who Helped Shape Buffalo’s Defense
Johnson’s impact in Buffalo extended beyond statistics. Former head coach Sean McDermott often relied heavily on Johnson’s ability to anchor the middle of the defense.
His combination of tackling, coverage ability and awareness allowed the Bills to disguise defensive looks and adapt to different offensive styles.
Bills general manager Brandon Beane previously praised Johnson’s role within the defense. Beane once explained that Johnson technically played nickel corner but often functioned as half of a weak side linebacker in Buffalo’s system.
That hybrid role helped define the Bills’ defensive identity for several seasons. Johnson’s time in Buffalo may be over, but his career is unlikely to slow down.