All articles tagged with #nickel cornerback
The Buffalo Bills released nickel cornerback Taron Johnson after eight seasons to save $8.76 million in 2026 cap space. Johnson was a cornerstone of the Bills' nickel defense and a versatile defender, but injuries in recent years and a shift to a base 3-4 under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard sparked the move as Buffalo retools its secondary.
Rookie cornerback Brian Branch has impressed coaches with his performance since joining the Detroit Lions, earning a starting role as the nickel cornerback. Branch loves playing in this position because it allows him to be in the middle of the action, acting as a linebacker who can cover. Meanwhile, Lions assistant head coach Scottie Montgomery praises the team's offensive line, particularly Pro Bowl right tackle Penei Sewell, and believes the combination of the line and talented running backs could make the Lions' run game special. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown returned to practice after recovering from an ankle injury.
Detroit Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson was carted off the field during training camp practice after suffering a knee injury. Gardner-Johnson, a key offseason signing, was expected to play a major role in the team's revamped secondary. The extent of the injury is unknown, but the Lions have options at nickel cornerback if needed.