After signing a 3-year contract extension, Bills’ Taron Johnson ready to step up as defensive leader

A number of defensive options have left the Buffalo Bills recently.

After signing a 3-year contract extension, Bills’ Taron Johnson ready to step up as defensive leader

Taron Johnson (Via Imago)

Taron Johnson‘s name cannot be counted among the number of veteran defensive backs who bid adieu to the Buffalo Bills this NFL offseason. In an attempt to keep the salary structure intact, the Bills announced the release of a bunch of players from last season. However, they decided to stick with Johnson, who has contributed significantly to the team’s cause.

The veteran defensive back received a three-year extension deal from the Bills. Right after receiving that, he expressed his gratitude for coming back to the Bills’ squad. He did not refrain from saying that it felt like a homecoming to him.

Speaking on the video conference with USA Today, the Bills defender stated:

FS Video
I love Buffalo. Treat me like family here. I love the guys I play with, I love the guys they’ve brought here.
Taron Johnson said

In addition to this, he expressed that he wished to take more responsibility in the coming season as a defender:

I have to be more vocal this year. Whatever it takes.
Taron Johnson added

The cornerback had a great performance last season with 98 combined tackles. Among those 98 tackles, he had 26 assists and the rest were solo ones. He also registered a sack. As the Bills managed to make it to the playoffs, the CB played a huge role. Now, Johnson would eye to achieve more in the coming seasons. It is worth noting that the Bills, despite having the opportunity, failed to make it to the conference championship.

Taron Johnson might have to take a major role in the coming season

The Buffalo Bills team had a solid defense with the likes of Taron Johnson, Tre’Davious White, Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde. All of them played a major role last season. However, apart from Johnson, none are in the squad for the Bills currently. Their absence might be felt hard in the coming time.

The Bills’ head coach Sean McDermott even acknowledged that the absence of Poyer might be a cause for concern. He attributed the credit for the recent success of the Bills squad to Poyer. In the NFL Scouts Combine, the DC said:

Like Micah, Jordan has been instrumental in the success of our organization, our team, our defense. Usually when I say one, the other comes to mind.
Sean McDermott said
NFL, American Football Herren, USA AFC Wild Card Round-Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills Jan 15, 2024 Orchard Park, New York, USA Buffalo Bills safety Jordan Poyer 21 at a press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz after a 2024 AFC wild card game at Highmark Stadium. Orchard Park Highmark Stadium New York USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKirbyxLeex 20240115_ams_al2_0256
Jordan Poyer (via IMAGO)

In this context, Taron Johnson is the last alternative that the Bills have. Hence, in the coming season, he will have to step up. As things stand right now, the CB certainly does not have a problem with it.

In case you missed it: