It’s time to have an uncomfortable conversation about Taron

[RkFast]

Even when he was top of his game I never understood the concept of basing the entire defensive philosophy around a nickel corner. 

[FireChans]

20 hours ago, RkFast said:

Even when he was top of his game I never understood the concept of basing the entire defensive philosophy around a nickel corner. 

What do you mean by that?

 

if you’re talking about our base D being basically a nickel defense, that’s in large part due to the base offensive package in the NFL being 11. 
 

That’s a league wide thing. 
 

Taron Johnson was an elite NCB in his time and that’s a defensive starter nowadays.

[Kirby Jackson]

6 minutes ago, FireChans said:

What do you mean by that?

 

if you’re talking about our base D being basically a nickel defense, that’s in large part due to the base offensive package in the NFL being 11. 
 

That’s a league wide thing. 
 

Taron Johnson was an elite NCB in his time and that’s a defensive starter nowadays.

11 personnel is about 61-62% of the time in the nfl (the most common personnel grouping).

[Don Otreply]

On 10/20/2025 at 10:41 AM, FireChans said:

Taron Johnson may be washed folks.

 

He was honestly kinda shaky last year (he notably got eaten alive by the Rams) and this year he, well, hasn’t been good.

 

Some startling 2025 stats for one of our most steadfast Bills and perhaps the last very good player from our 2020-2021 team.

 

Missed tackle rate - 8.7%(highest since 2021)

QB rating when targeted - 102 (highest in his career)

 

Obviously NCB is a tough position and at his peak, TJ was up there for best in the business, but I’m afraid those days are coming to an end.

 

I think he is next up on the “pay cut or be cut” block in 2026 with a cap hit of $11M.

Taking a pay cut and still playing is not improving the situation, replacing him would be the actual answer…,  if he takes a pay cut and stays with the Bills it would need to be for backup money would it not,

 

GO BILLS!!!

[FireChans]

1 hour ago, Don Otreply said:

Taking a pay cut and still playing is not improving the situation, replacing him would be the actual answer…,  if he takes a pay cut and stays with the Bills it would need to be for backup money would it not,

 

GO BILLS!!!

That’s not how it works. 
 

TJ is costing the Bills at least $7M next year whether we cut him or keep him. Which means that’s the number they will request him to take. He won’t take a penny less and nor should he.