Source: Raiders acquiring CB Taron Johnson in trade with Bills - ESPN

HENDERSON, Nev. — The Las Vegas Raiders agreed to a trade for Buffalo Bills veteran cornerback Taron Johnson, a source told ESPN on Sunday.

The Raiders are sending a sixth-round pick to the Bills and will receive a seventh-round pick in return, the source said.

The Bills announced Friday that they were releasing Johnson and three other players. But the four weren't listed on the transaction wire, leaving the possibility for a trade.

The Bills' cap savings were the same whether Buffalo traded Johnson or cut him outright ($1.9 million).

The Bills elected to move on from Johnson — their starting nickel cornerback — as they shift into a different defensive philosophy, from a 4-3 base to a 3-4, under new coordinator Jim Leonhard.

Johnson, 29, was selected in the fourth round in 2018, part of president of football operations/general manager Brandon Beane's first draft class in Buffalo. He cemented his role as a starter in 2020 after being benched during the season. Since 2020, no team has been in nickel more often than the Bills (83.4%), with part of that due to Johnson's performance.

He will most likely be remembered in Buffalo for his 101-yard pick-six against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2020 postseason.

He has eight interceptions, 48 passes defended, eight forced fumbles and 572 tackles in his career.

By acquiring Johnson, the Raiders helped address their need at cornerback — a position group that lacked talent and depth last season. Cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly struggled, allowing a team-high 559 yards on 37 catches and 56 targets before sustaining a season-ending knee injury in Week 14.

Darien Porter, the team's third-round pick in 2025, appeared in 17 games (10 starts). He has upside, but is still developing. Decamerion