Aaron Rodgers has praised the Buffalo Bills’ defense, singling out veteran nickel cornerback Taron Johnson as one of the best players in the league. Rodgers highlighted Johnson’s versatility and impact during his recent appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.
Johnson, a 2018 fourth-round pick, became a defensive cornerstone under former head coach Sean McDermott. Rodgers noted that Buffalo often used nickel defense as its base because of Johnson’s ability to excel against both the run and the pass. He described Johnson as "one of the most underrated players in the league," capable of playing a box linebacker role and effectively stopping the run while covering receivers.
Taron Johnson’s Defensive Role
Throughout the 2025 season, Johnson appeared in 113 games, including 87 starts, while averaging 71.5 tackles per season. Even though he played his fewest snaps in six years—570 in 2025—he remained a critical component of the Bills’ defensive scheme. Johnson’s 2025 performance included three solo tackles in a Week 13 win over Rodgers’ Pittsburgh Steelers. In the previous season, his interception sealed a 23-20 victory against Rodgers and the New York Jets.
The Bills’ general manager, Brandon Beane, praised Johnson’s broad skill set and importance to their defense. Beane said Johnson "played nickel but has also basically been half of a WILL linebacker" in the team’s system. Johnson has also contributed significantly with 48 passes defensed and eight forced fumbles since his draft.
Potential Position Changes and Contract Status
Johnson, an All-Pro in 2023, is under contract through 2027, carrying a $9.5 million dead cap charge if released this season. Due to his salary and versatility, the Bills are unlikely to part ways with him anytime soon.
There is speculation about how Johnson will fit into the Bills’ new defensive system under coordinator Jim Leonhard. Beane mentioned ongoing discussions about how much Johnson will be on the field and whether another linebacker might replace some of his snaps. The organization is also open to transitioning Johnson to a safety position if it aligns better with the defense’s needs.
"Nothing’s off the table," Beane emphasized. "We’ll look at everything and anything as we make these decisions. He’s a good football player, so you never want to rule anything out if you think that’s the best position for him."
Aaron Rodgers’ recognition of Taron Johnson as a top defensive player underscores the veteran’s value despite questions regarding his role in the Bills’ evolving defense. Johnson’s track record and adaptability position him as a key figure as Buffalo continues to refine its defensive strategies.
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