Details about Johnson’s contract demands aren’t clear, but the prevailing view is that he likely wants more guaranteed money rather than additional years on the contract. This could present a delicate situation for the Raiders. The trade for Johnson was a relatively modest move, involving a late-round pick swap. Johnson, who was an All-Pro in 2023, missed five games in 2024 and four games in 2025. Analysts have highlighted this contract situation as a key area for the Raiders to resolve.
What should the Raiders do?
The Raiders’ secondary is young, so having a veteran like Johnson can be beneficial. The team added Treydan Stukes in the second round, a versatile player who can operate as a nickel cornerback and also function at safety or outside cornerback. With Johnson anchoring the slot, Las Vegas could deploy Stukes in flexible roles, increasing overall versatility.
If Johnson seeks more guaranteed money, it might be wise for the Raiders to offer an extension for the current season. At 29, Johnson could return to All-Pro form in 2026 and remain a high-impact player. If he doesn’t accept a revised deal, the Raiders could transition away next year. However, if he’s willing to play under his current contract, the team might wait and assess his performance before making a long-term decision.
Stukes’ potential is noteworthy
Treydan Stukes is set to be 25 at the season’s start, an age that some teams consider young for a rookie, though his production has been solid. He is viewed as a player with significant upside, comparable in some opinions to Kyle Hamilton of the Baltimore Ravens, who is entering his fifth NFL season. New Raiders safeties coach Matt Robinson, who previously coached Hamilton in Baltimore, believes Stukes could play a similar role in Las Vegas, citing his size, speed, and versatility as assets that could bring physicality to the back end of the defense.
Bottom line
The Raiders’ approach to Johnson’s contract will shape the defensive backfield’s ceiling for the coming season. A deal that secures reliability in the slot could maximize Stukes’ versatility and help the unit grow into a more formidable group. If Johnson remains under his current contract, the team can monitor his impact on the field before making longer-term decisions. The combination of Johnson in the slot and Stukes’ versatility gives Las Vegas a promising foundation to build a more dynamic and cohesive secondary.
