After trading for Chicago Bears' receiver D.J. Moore, the Buffalo Bills announced several releases, dampening the hit that Moore delivered to Buffalo's cap space. Among these players was veteran cornerback Taron Johnson, who, after receiving an endorsement from Aaron Rodgers, could be an interesting free-agent signing for the Green Bay Packers.
During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Aaron Rodgers called Johnson "one of the best players in the league and he's one of the most underrated players in the league."
"He can play box linebacker and stop the run, and he can cover guys," Rodgers added.
Packers could reunite free-agent CB Taron Johnson with recent hire Bobby Babich
Not enough people are talking about the possibility of the Packers signing Johnson, but they should.
It's notable that the Packers hired former Bills defensive coordinator Bobby Babich to be their new secondary coach and passing game coordinator this offseason. They spent eight seasons together in Buffalo, and Babich could help Green Bay get the best out of him.
Entering his ninth season, Johnson has struggled with consistency, missing nine games over the last two seasons with shoulder and forearm injuries. However, he missed just two games from 2020 to 2023 and received second-team All-Pro honors in the 2023 season. Johnson will turn 30 at the end of July, so any deal with Green Bay would likely be short-term, making his ability to play uninterrupted key.
Despite any issues Johnson's play has faced recently, he's received a stirring endorsement from one man who's sure to capture Packers fans' attention.
Rodgers never played with Johnson, but his comments make it clear that he respects the former-Bill's game. And while receiving praise from Rodgers doesn't mean Johnson should immediately be handed a big-time deal, it adds another level of intrigue for Packers fans who recognize the team's shortcomings in the secondary.
In Buffalo, Johnson was used heavily in nickel formations, a role that Javon Bullard filled consistently in his two years in Green Bay. However, new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon should feel free to experiment. Johnson could prove capable enough to take over as CB1, with Nate Hobbs recovering from an injury-laden 2025 and Keisean Nixon coming off an underwhelming season in the lead corner role.
An experienced player on a one- or two-year deal might be what Green Bay needs as a building block for its weakest position. While the team's cornerback dilemma can be fixed with well-used draft capital, Johnson's veteran presence could prove to be just as beneficial, if not more.