BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Buffalo Bills, navigating the complexities of the NFL salary cap ahead of the new league year, released veteran cornerback Taron Johnson, wide receiver Curtis Samuel, safety Taylor Rapp, and cornerback Dane Jackson on Friday, according to multiple reports. These moves signal a shift in strategy for the Bills as they aim to create financial flexibility and reshape their roster.
The combined impact of these releases will free up slightly more than $12 million in cap space for Buffalo – approximately $6 million from Samuel’s contract, $1.9 million from Johnson’s, under $3.1 million from Rapp’s, and $1.2 million from Jackson’s, sources indicate.
The team has opted not to designate Johnson as a post-June 1 release, a decision that would have saved nearly $7 million more against the cap, but not until June. This suggests the Bills prioritized immediate cap relief over maximizing savings in the coming months.
These roster moves follow closely on the heels of Thursday’s trade that brought wide receiver DJ Moore to Buffalo, formerly a teammate of Samuel’s with the Carolina Panthers. The acquisition of Moore, a key piece for the Bills’ offense, necessitated difficult decisions regarding the current roster.
Johnson’s departure marks a significant change for the Bills’ defense, particularly as they transition to a new defensive scheme under coordinator Jim Leonhard. For the past eight seasons, under former head coach Sean McDermott, Johnson had established himself as the team’s starting nickel cornerback. His consistent performance and versatility made him a valuable asset in the secondary.
Johnson, 29, was originally drafted by the Bills in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, part of the first draft class overseen by General Manager Brandon Beane. He solidified his role as a starter in 2020, having previously been a rotational player. Since 2020, no NFL team has played more snaps in the slot than the Bills, largely due to Johnson’s reliability.
Bills fans will remember Johnson for his memorable 101-yard interception returned for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the 2020 postseason – a play that remains a highlight in recent franchise history.
Leonhard had indicated last month that he had spoken with Johnson about a potential position change, exploring ways to utilize his skills within the new defensive system. “He knows we’ll communicate with him,” Leonhard said, “and figure out what’s right, as he’s been an extremely productive player in the NFL, and now we’re trying to find the best fit between some of the things I’ve done in the past and what they’ve done really well to have a player like him.” the financial impact of Johnson’s $11.4 million cap hit didn’t align with the anticipated playing time in the revamped defensive unit.
Samuel’s time with the Bills (2024-25) was hampered by injuries and limited on-field impact. He appeared in 20 regular season games, recording 38 receptions for 334 yards and two touchdowns, and added 14 rushing yards on five carries.
Rapp, 28, played three seasons with the Bills, participating in 36 games, 24 as a starter. His 2025 season was cut short by a knee injury sustained during training camp, requiring meniscus surgery. He reported positive progress in his rehabilitation in January.
Jackson returned to the Bills in 2025 after a season with the Panthers. He spent the majority of last season on the practice squad but saw action in three regular season games and both of the team’s playoff contests.
These moves, although difficult, demonstrate the Bills’ commitment to managing the salary cap effectively and building a roster capable of competing for a Super Bowl. The team now faces the task of filling the voids left by these departures, potentially through free agency or the upcoming NFL Draft.
The Bills will now turn their attention to the remaining free agency period and the draft, seeking to address needs at cornerback, safety, and potentially wide receiver. The team’s ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial as they aim to remain contenders in the AFC.
What’s Next: The NFL’s legal tampering period begins on March 11, allowing teams to negotiate with agents of pending free agents. The Bills will likely be active in this period, exploring options to bolster their roster. The NFL Draft is scheduled for April 25-27 in Detroit, Michigan.
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