Bills news: Recapping Buffalo’s roster moves, including releasing Taron Johnson

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 29: Taron Johnson #7 of the Buffalo Bills takes the field prior to a game against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. The Bills defeated the Jets 40-14. (Kara Durrette/Getty Images) | Getty Images After acquiring wid

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What is the story about?

After acquiring wide receiver DJ Moore in a trade with the Chicago Bears, the Buffalo Bills entered Friday roughly $34 million over the NFL’s $301.2 million salary cap limit for the 2026 NFL season.

The Bills have until the new league year starts on Monday to become cap compliant, and on Friday, president of football operations/general manager Brandon Beane continued to shed salary by releasing four veteran players, led by former All-Pro nickel cornerback Taron Johnson.

Today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks

leads off by analyzing these cost-cutting moves.

Taron Johnson, Curtis Samuel among cost-cutting moves made

By releasing slot cornerback Taron Johnson, wide receiver Curtis Samuel, safety Taylor Rapp, and cornerback Dane Jackson ($1.2 million), Brandon Beane was able to create $12.1 million in salary cap space, but he still has work to do. According to Spotrac.com, the Bills are still roughly $22 million over the salary cap limit.

Linked below: A run through each of the cost-cutting moves, including saying farewell to Taron Johnson, who ushered in the “Buffalo Nickel” era; Curtis Samuel, who slogged through two mostly disappointing seasons in Buffalo; Taylor Rapp, the hard-hitting safety who struggled to stay on the field in 2025; and veteran Dane Jackson, who completed his second stint with the team.

Even more Bills news

Exploring whether Brandon Beane and the Bills overpaid to pry DJ Moore away from the Bears. Plus, Moore shares how he feels about playing in Buffalo for new head coach Joe Brady; learn about the new host and venue for the Micah Hyde charity softball game; and more!