The Buffalo Bills are releasing veteran cornerback Taron Johnson and wide receiver Curtis Samuel as part of a salary cap restructuring effort, sources told ESPN. The moves will save Buffalo just over $7.9 million in cap space, with Johnson's release accounting for $1.9 million and Samuel's for approximately $6 million. The team is not designating Johnson for a post-June 1 release.

Johnson, 29, was a fourth-round pick in 2018 and developed into the Bills' starting nickelback under former coach Sean McDermott. He played a key role in Buffalo's defense, with the team using nickel packages 83.4% of the time since 2020. Johnson will be remembered for his 101-yard pick-six against Baltimore in the 2020 postseason. His release comes as the Bills transition from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defensive scheme under new coordinator Jim Leonhard.

Samuel's two-year stint with the Bills was marred by injuries and limited production. The former Carolina Panther played in just 20 regular-season games, catching 38 passes for 334 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 14 yards on five carries. These roster moves follow Thursday's trade for Samuel's former teammate DJ Moore, signaling a significant reshuffling of Buffalo's offensive and defensive personnel as the team prepares for the 2026 season.