Nickel cornerback a vital position for Raiders’ defense

Jan 17, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson (7) reacts after a play during overtime of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Taron Johnson’s reported contract impasse with the Las Vegas Raiders bears watching. While these type of things do occur on the business side of football, Johnson’s absence is minor as the Silver & Black embarked on offseason team activities (OTAs).

All teams have 10 sessions of this nature and no live contact is allowed. Where it becomes a bigger concern is if Johnson’s impasse extends through the mandatory minicamp which is slated from June 9 to 11 — where contact is allowed and that physicality separates roster contenders and pretenders. Acquired from the Buffalo Bills via trade earlier this offseason, the 29-year-old cornerback is slated to man the vital nickel defender role in Rob Leonard’s defense based on experience and production as one of the elite slot corners in the league during his eight seasons on the East Coast.

In essence, there’s very little guaranteed coin on the remaining $18-plus million on the contract the Raiders inherited from the Bills — according to Over The Cap and Spotrac, that figure is $1. 175 million (which also represents the amount of dead cap Las Vegas would absorb if Johnson were to be released). Thus, you can see things from Johnson’s point of view and the the Raiders can turn a portion of his $8.

1 million base salary this coming season into guaranteed coin. Per sources: CB Taron Johnson's absence at @Raiders voluntary offseason workouts is contract related. The $18M he's on the books for in '26 & '27 is non guaranteed.