...
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The Las Vegas Raiders come into 2026 with one of the most exciting groups. They brought in two new quarterbacks, Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza and veteran Kirk Cousins. Signed linebackers Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean, edge rusher Kwity Paye, and arguably the best center in football, Tyler Linderbaum. They also hired Seattle Seahawks' former offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak to be the team's next head coach, leading an offense headlined by Mendoza, Ashton Jeanty, and Brock Bowers.
In addition to all of that, Las Vegas traded for Buffalo Bills nickelback Taron Johnson.
At first, the Johnson trade looked like one of the savviest moves of the offseason. Now, just three months later, it may be the team’s biggest headache heading into training camp.
Read More on NFL
According to ESPN's Ryan McFadden, Johnson's situation is one to watch before the season kicks off. While the veteran cornerback remains under contract through 2028, only $1.2 million of his $8.1 million base salary is guaranteed this season, and he has no guaranteed money in 2027. McFadden noted how the Raiders may need to revisit Johnson's contract and add guarantees to keep both sides happy.
More news: Chiefs Face Concerning Reality With Top Patrick Mahomes Pass Protector
...
More news: Colts’ Troubling History Looms Over Jonathan Taylor Negotiations
Drafted in the fourth round in 2018 out of Weber State, Johnson quickly emerged as one of the more reliable playmakers in Sean McDermott's system in Buffalo. Across eight seasons with the Bills, he piled up 572 career tackles, eight sacks, eight forced fumbles, six interceptions, 48 pass breakups, and, more importantly, repeatedly showed up in big moments.
He's widely viewed as one of the NFL's premier nickel cornerbacks and was expected to bring that same energy to Vegas when the Raiders traded for him in March.
The problem is that Johnson turns 30 in July and wants security after being traded. The Raiders, meanwhile, just drafted a versatile defensive back, Treydan Stukes, in the second round of the 2026 NFL draft. Stukes, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound safety, produced 52 total tackles, 10 passes defensed, four interceptions, and one sack last year at Arizona, bringing much of the same qualities the Raiders traded for when they acquired Johnson.
Johnson remains the most likely option to take the nickel role. But if he plays well in that role in 2026, his leverage goes up dramatically, and so does his price tag. On the flip side, if the Raiders reward Johnson now, they risk tying money to a player whose best years are potentially behind him. It's quite the dilemma, and one nobody talked about when Vegas traded for him. And the longer they wait, the more unnecessary tension there will be for an organization looking to reset its culture.
More news: CJ Stroud Gearing Up for ‘Prove-It’ Season as Texans Extension Talks Heat Up
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines