Buffalo, NY – November 4, 2025

The Buffalo Bills have made a calculated financial move ahead of the NFL trade deadline — restructuring cornerback Taron Johnson’s contract to free up

$1.75 million in salary cap space for 2025.

According to reports, general manager Brandon Beane converted part of Johnson’s base salary into a signing bonus, a common cap-management tactic designed to provide short-term flexibility. The adjustment could position Buffalo to make one final roster addition before the deadline closes on November 4.

With injuries mounting across the defense — including Ed Oliver (biceps) and Michael Hoecht (Achilles) both on injured reserve — the Bills are actively exploring potential reinforcements in the defensive front and wide receiver corps.

Several names have surfaced as trade candidates. DT Harrison Phillips (Jets), a familiar face in Buffalo, could offer depth in the trenches. Meanwhile, at receiver, targets such as Jakobi Meyers (Raiders)

, Chris Olave, and Rashid Shaheed (Saints) are reportedly being monitored.

The Bills have also been linked to WR Brian Thomas Jr. (Jaguars), though his current ankle injury — paired with rookie

Travis Hunter’s placement on IR — may complicate a deal.

While it remains uncertain whether Beane will pull the trigger on a trade, this restructuring signals one thing clearly: Buffalo is not standing still.

In a season where championship windows are fleeting, every dollar of cap space could make the difference between another playoff run — and a Super Bowl breakthrough.