Dolphins Sign Free Agent Defensive Back Lonnie Johnson

Dolphins Sign Free Agent Defensive Back Lonnie Johnson

The Miami Dolphins have signed versatile defensive back Lonnie Johnson. The former 2nd round pick by the Texans, Johnson, has played in over 90 games in his career, starting 22 of them.

Coming out of Kentucky, Johnson was viewed as a physical and athletic cornerback. The Texans felt good about him, selecting him 54th overall in the 2019 draft. He spent 3 seasons in Houston, playing multiple roles in the defensive backfield. He was predominantly an overhang defender, which led him to position himself as a respected slot defender. Johnson recorded 3 interceptions in 2021 with the Texans.

He recorded 10 pass breakups in his 3 seasons with the team that drafted him.

Since that breakout season, he has yet to find a proper footing with a team.

He has spent 4 years with 4 separate teams: the Titans, the Saints, the Panthers, and, most recently, the Raiders. He played in 9 games for the Raiders, logging over 50% of defensive snaps when healthy. On 201 pass defense snaps, he was targeted only 8 times. Johnson struggled as a tackler last season, but was rather sound in coverage.

His best season overall was with the New Orleans Saints in 2023, where he played in 9 games and allowed less than 50 yards in coverage.

This is Miami’s second new player added today. They also signed former Eagles edge rusher Joshua Uche. Johnson, entering his age-31 season, is a well-traveled veteran who will likely compete for snaps as Miami aims to put together a cheap but efficient squad. Though not the long term solution, his versatility helps the Dolphins be frugal with their money.

He may not start, depending on the coming moves in free agency and the draft, but he provides depth and a potential spot starter. Johnson can play safety or cornerback in Jeff Hafley’s system. A veteran presence is badly needed on the Miami Dolphins’ current roster, particularly in the defensive back room, as the average age of the entire team is under 26.