Last season, the Buffalo Bills unfortunately fell short of their ultimate goal, which added another chapter to their Super Bowl drought. However, with exceptional players like Josh Allen and Taron Johnson at the forefront, the team is committed to breaking their streak of bad luck and proving themselves as true contenders for the Lombardi Trophy in the upcoming season.
Following the recent extension awarded to left tackle Dionte Dawkins, the Bills are now turning their attention to securing a lucrative deal for nickel tackle Taron Johnson following his impressive performances throughout the past season.
Taron Johnson’s $31 million deal makes him highest-paid nickel back
The Buffalo Bills are securing their defensive backfield with a significant move, signing Taron Johnson to a lucrative three-year extension worth $31 million, according to reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Johnson’s deal sets a new standard for slot defensive backs, making him the highest-paid nickel back in the league.
His contract surpasses the previous benchmark set by Kenny Moore II of the Indianapolis Colts, who signed a $30 million extension just last week. The 27-year-old had one year remaining on his previous contract extension signed during the 2021 season, which would have accounted for $12.41 million in cap space this year.
With this extension, the Bills are investing in his continued contributions to their defense. The Bills’ star defensive lineman has steadily risen to prominence in the league after being drafted by Buffalo in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Weber State,
Meanwhile, the Bills’ decision to focus on Johnson’s extension coincides with the task of addressing gaps in their secondary following the departure of key starters such as Jordan Poyer, Micah Hyde, and Tre’Davious White.
Meanwhile, Johnson’s consistent performance and impressive athleticism on the field make him a highly valuable asset for the Bills’ defensive unit. Johnson has shown remarkable durability throughout his career, having missed just one game since the 2020 season.
In a 2021 playoff game against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens, he demonstrated his playmaking prowess by returning an interception for a touchdown.
How did Bills Taron Johnson perform in NFL 2023–24?
Throughout the past regular season, Taron Johnson displayed his prowess on the field, tallying an impressive 98 tackles, three forced fumbles, and a sack, per CBS Sports.
In addition to his stellar regular-season performance, the Cleveland native continued to shine in the postseason. He recorded eight combined tackles and forced another fumble for the Bills team. His standout performance earned him Second-Team All-Pro honors.
Throughout his six-year career, Johnson has amassed an impressive resume, totaling 450 tackles, 7.0 sacks, and four interceptions, including a memorable pick-six.
As he enters his seventh season with the Bills, he remains a cornerstone of the team’s secondary. With his new contract in place, Johnson’s future with the Bills looks bright.
