Bills Release Taron Johnson, Curtis Samuel & More to Create Cap Space | NFL News

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 following the acquisition of wide receiver DJ Moore.

The combined effect of these releases will free up slightly more than $12 million in cap space for Buffalo – approximately $6 million from Samuel, $1.9 million from Johnson, under $3.1 million from Rapp, and $1.2 million from Jackson. The team opted not to designate Johnson as a post-June 1 release, a decision that would have saved nearly $7 million more, but not until June.

These roster moves reach on the heels of Thursday’s trade that brought DJ Moore to Buffalo, a move that immediately addresses a demand at wide receiver. The Bills acquired Moore, a former teammate of Samuel’s with the Carolina Panthers, in exchange for draft capital.

The departure of Taron Johnson marks a significant change for the Bills’ defense, as they transition from a 4-3 scheme to a 3-4 alignment under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. Johnson had been a mainstay in the Bills’ secondary for the past eight seasons, becoming the team’s primary nickel cornerback under former head coach Sean McDermott.

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 current General Manager Brandon Beane. He solidified his role as a starter in 2020 after initially being a rotational player. Since 2020, no NFL team has played more snaps in the slot than the Bills, largely due to Johnson’s consistent performance.

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 skillset within the new defensive framework. “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 team determined that Johnson’s $11.4 million cap hit didn’t align with the anticipated playing time in the new defensive scheme.

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 of which were starts. His most recent season was cut short by a knee injury sustained during training camp, requiring meniscus surgery. He reported in January that his rehabilitation was progressing well.

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, while demanding, 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’ front office will be closely monitored as they navigate the remaining weeks of the offseason, seeking to balance financial constraints with the need to bolster their roster and contend in a highly competitive AFC. The team’s next major checkpoint will be the start of the new league year, when free agency officially begins and the Bills can begin signing new players to fill the roster spots vacated by these recent releases.

Fans can stay updated on all Bills transactions and news through the team’s official website and social media channels.