Who's rising fastest in Taron Johnson's crowded starting lineup?
Veteran trade acquisition has leg up but Raiders have in-house, draft options too
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 15: Cornerback Taron Johnson #7 of the Buffalo Bills stands on the field during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, at Ford Field on December 15, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images) | Getty Images Since the start of free agency, it’s clear the Las Vegas Raiders are attempting to get better under rookie head coach Klint Kubiak. General manager John Spytek was a smooth operator this past Monday landing impact free agents on both offense — center Tyler Linderbaum the prized catch — and on defense — Las Vegas has legitimate linebackers in Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker — on Day 1 of free agency.
And in between the start of the legal tampering period and the official stat to the NFL’s new league year on Wednesday, Spytek found himself without the two additional first-round picks he obtained in a suddenly-nixed trade for edge rusher Maxx Crosby. By all accounts, Crosby is focused on remaining in Silver & Black and thus, the Raiders defense — to be helmed by rookie defensive coordinator Rob Leonard — has gotten better on paper. Dean, Walker, edge rusher Kwity Paye, and re-signed in-house free agent Eric Stokes impressively bolster the defensive roster.
Las Vegas’ general manager made a key maneuver the weekend before the start of free agency to bolster the defense: Trading a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills to obtain slot cornerback Taron Johnson and a seventh-round selection. Johnson was initially slated to be simply released by the Bills but Spytek wasn’t keen on competing for a premiere veteran slot corner on the open market. #NFL TRADE #Raiders Acquire 7th-Rd Pick CB Taron Johnson – 2026: $8.
67M – 2027: $10M #Bills Acquire 6th-Rd Pick $1. 75M of Johnson's 2026 salary becomes fully guaranteed on March 15th. Buffalo takes on $9.
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