"Moving on from Johnson is one of the first significant moves as the Bills shift into a different defensive philosophy -- from a 4-3 base to a 3-4 -- under new coordinator Jim Leonhard. Under former Bills coach Sean McDermott for the past eight seasons, Johnson developed into the team's starting nickel cornerback."
"Johnson, 29, was part of president of football operations and general manager Brandon Beane's first draft class in Buffalo, selected in the fourth round in 2018. 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%)."
"Leonhard said last month that he had spoken with Johnson and that he was excited about a potential change in position. 'He knows that we're going to communicate with him,' Leonhard said, 'and find out what's right because he's been an extremely productive player in the NFL.'"
The Buffalo Bills released starting nickelback Taron Johnson and wide receiver Curtis Samuel to achieve salary cap compliance before the new league year. These moves generate $7.9 million in cap space, with Samuel accounting for approximately $6 million and Johnson $1.9 million. The Bills did not designate Johnson as a post-June 1 release, forgoing an additional $7 million in savings. Johnson's departure reflects the team's shift from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defensive base under new coordinator Jim Leonhard. Johnson, drafted in 2018 and a starter since 2020, was instrumental in Buffalo's nickel-heavy defense. The releases follow the Bills' trade acquisition of DJ Moore from Carolina, Samuel's former teammate.
Read at ESPN.com
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