The Buffalo Bills are shaking things up this offseason, and one of the most intriguing possibilities is a shift in their secondary lineup. With Jim Leonhard stepping in as the new defensive coordinator, the team is exploring a position change for veteran Taron Johnson.
Johnson, who has been a key player at nickel cornerback since 2018, might be transitioning to safety. This move isn't a reflection of his performance but rather an adaptation to Leonhard's defensive strategy.
Under former coach Sean McDermott, Johnson's role was crucial in the nickel defense. However, Leonhard is planning to implement a 3-4 base scheme aimed at boosting the Bills' pass rush and pressure in the backfield.
Switching Johnson to safety could also help Buffalo capitalize on their depth at cornerback. Alongside Johnson, the Bills have a strong lineup with Christian Benford, Dane Jackson, Tre'Davious White, Maxwell Hairston, and Dorian Strong. Hairston and Strong, in particular, have shown great potential and are poised for breakout seasons in their second year.
In today's NFL, having a solid nickelback is essential, but Johnson's skills might be even more valuable at safety. At 29, he's established himself as one of the top tacklers among cornerbacks. In 2025, he earned a 68.3 tackling grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking 59th out of 217 rated cornerbacks.
Despite injuries in recent seasons, Johnson's 2023 performance was stellar, with a career-high 98 tackles and three forced fumbles, earning him a second-team All-Pro selection. This potential position change could be a strategic move to maximize both his talents and the team's defensive capabilities.