Las Vegas Raiders Sign Former Texans/Panthers Safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. – A Boost to Pete Carroll’s Defense
In a surprising yet strategic move to bolster their secondary, the Las Vegas Raiders have officially signed veteran safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. to a one-year contract. The 29-year-old defensive back brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for being a reliable tackler with solid ball skills to a team looking to enhance their defense under head coach Josh McDaniels and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
The move comes after a few seasons with both the Houston Texans and the Carolina Panthers, where Johnson earned a name for himself as a physical and dependable safety. Known for his versatility, Johnson’s arrival in Las Vegas will likely help strengthen a secondary that has been in the process of rebuilding in recent seasons.
A Veteran Presence in the Secondary
Lonnie Johnson Jr. may not be the flashiest name in the NFL, but his consistent play over the years has made him an invaluable asset to his previous teams. Drafted by the Houston Texans in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Johnson’s 6-foot-2, 213-pound frame has made him a difficult match-up for opposing quarterbacks.
Over the course of his career, Johnson has shown the ability to contribute in multiple roles within the defense. In his four seasons in the league, Johnson has registered 4 career interceptions and 15 career pass breakups, displaying a knack for getting his hands on the football. Though he may not always be the most explosive player on the field, his discipline and sure tackling ability have earned him respect throughout the league.
In 2021, Johnson was traded to the Carolina Panthers after spending two seasons with the Texans. While his time with the Panthers was relatively brief, he was able to show his continued proficiency as a tackler and his ability to contribute to a defense that was looking to improve. Johnson’s reputation as a capable cover safety with solid ball skills made him a key addition to the Raiders’ roster.
An Ideal Fit for Pete Carroll’s Defense
Under the guidance of Pete Carroll, who is known for his focus on defense, particularly the secondary, Johnson could be the perfect addition to the Las Vegas defense. Carroll’s “Legion of Boom” era in Seattle left a lasting legacy, and while the Raiders aren’t quite on that level yet, they have been in the process of transforming their defense. The Raiders have been searching for strong defensive backs who can compete in today’s pass-heavy NFL, and Johnson may provide just the stability and reliability that the team has been missing.
Johnson’s ability to be a sure-handed tackler is something that will appeal to Carroll, who places great emphasis on defensive players that can stop the run and deliver in coverage. With 199 total tackles over his career, Johnson has shown the ability to be a physical presence in the backfield. His ability to step up in critical situations, particularly on third down, will be invaluable to the Raiders as they face some of the league’s most potent offenses in the AFC West, including Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers, and Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos.
Moreover, Johnson’s ball skills, evidenced by his four interceptions and 15 pass breakups, will be beneficial for a Raiders team that has struggled with creating turnovers in recent years. As the Raiders’ defense looks to take a step forward, Johnson’s ability to break up passes and create turnovers could be a key component of their success moving forward.
Career Achievements and Impact in Houston
Johnson’s journey to the NFL started in the University of Kentucky, where he played cornerback for the Wildcats before transitioning to safety. His unique combination of size, athleticism, and versatility caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection by the Houston Texans in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Throughout his tenure with the Texans, Johnson began to establish himself as a dependable member of their secondary. In his rookie season, Johnson started 14 games, showcasing his potential as a safety who could cover ground in both the passing and running game. Over his three seasons with the Texans, Johnson was a key contributor, consistently showing his ability to impact the game in various ways.
His ability to adapt to both cornerback and safety positions also made him a valuable asset for Houston, as his versatility allowed the Texans to use him in different roles depending on the situation. However, despite his steady play, Houston struggled with consistency on defense, and following a rebuilding phase, Johnson was ultimately traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2021.
Lonnie Johnson’s Time with the Panthers
Although Johnson’s time with the Panthers was brief, he was able to display his talents in a new system. Carolina, under head coach Matt Rhule, was in the midst of trying to reshape its defense, and Johnson’s experience as a veteran player was seen as a strong asset. However, with the emergence of younger talent and shifting priorities in Carolina, Johnson became expendable. His departure marked the beginning of his free agency journey, and it was only a matter of time before another team with defensive needs would scoop him up.
The Las Vegas Raiders came calling, and the decision to bring Johnson on board was seen as a win-win for both parties. For the Raiders, the addition of Johnson adds an experienced veteran to a defense that is attempting to climb the ranks of the AFC. For Johnson, joining a team with playoff aspirations provides him with the opportunity to contribute to a team with a well-established coach in Pete Carroll, a defensive-minded coach who has always been able to get the best out of his players, especially in the secondary.
What Lonnie Johnson Brings to the Raiders
As he joins the Las Vegas Raiders, Johnson will be expected to provide leadership and stability in a defense that has been in flux. His physicality, playmaking ability, and versatility make him a perfect fit for the system. Whether it’s playing near the line of scrimmage to help in the run game or covering receivers in the secondary, Johnson’s skill set is well-suited to contribute in a variety of roles.
Additionally, his experience in big-game situations, especially with a playoff-contending team like Houston, will provide valuable leadership to a Raiders team that is looking to take the next step toward championship contention. Johnson will likely be expected to mentor younger players on the defense and play a key role in helping the Raiders improve their overall pass defense.
With cornerbacks like Pro Bowler Darius Slay, young stars like Trayvon Mullen, and safeties like Jonathan Abram, the addition of Johnson could also help solidify the back end of the Raiders’ defense, allowing for more fluidity in defensive coverage schemes. Johnson’s ability to keep his eye on the ball and maintain discipline in coverage will be vital as the Raiders aim to defend against some of the most potent quarterbacks in the league.
Conclusion
Lonnie Johnson Jr.’s signing with the Las Vegas Raiders is a significant move that could pay off in the long run. While Johnson may not have been a household name, his consistent play, experience, and leadership will be vital assets to a defense that is in the midst of transformation. With Pete Carroll at the helm, the Raiders’ defense has the potential to elevate to new heights, and the addition of a proven safety like Johnson is a step in the right direction. Whether he’s making big tackles or creating turnovers, Johnson’s presence on the field is sure to make an impact as the Raiders aim to take the next step in their quest for playoff contention.
For Johnson, this signing marks the beginning of a new chapter in his NFL career, and the 29-year-old will be looking to prove that he still has plenty left in the tank to contribute to a winning team. With the Raiders’ defensive future looking brighter, the 2025 season may be a defining year for both the team and its newest addition.
