Examining The Jaguars' Safety Dilemma

Heading into the 2025 season, the Jacksonville Jaguars made several key moves to overhaul their safety room.  Those changes made a big impact, but now the Jaguars are facing the loss of several players  and have a dilemma on their hands.

Antonio Johnson was selected in the fifth round by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023. Not much was expected of the young safety, but he managed to steal some playing time as a rookie. Johnson played in 13 games and started three in his rookie year, playing 20% of the total defensive snaps.

There were flashes early on as he intercepted two passes, defended three passes, forced a fumble, and allowed just 8.2 yards per completion. In 2024, the Jaguars’ defense was run by third-year defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen. It was a complete disaster. Johnson took a massive step back, allowing 12.6 yards per completion, a 113.6 passer rating and a 72.5% completion when targeted. He consistently looked lost in coverage and was late to read the quarterback and receiver.

Making a Case

Heading into 2025, Jaguars hired first-time defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile  from the Green Bay Packers. They also looked to upgrade their safety room, signing veteran Eric Murray and drafting Caleb Ransaw. In training camp, Ransaw suffered a season-ending injury, and in Week 7, Eric Murray was placed on injured reserve. This gave Johnson an opportunity that he capitalized on, starting nine of the final ten games of the season and seeing a significant increase in snaps.

The majority of Johnson’s production came during this 10-game stretch. He recorded eight passes defended, four interceptions, two sacks, and had one of the lowest missed tackle rates at 4.9%. It was an unexpected revelation that won him PFF’s Most Improved safety. Much like Devin Lloyd and Montaric Brown, Johnson saw exponential growth under Campanile. Despite multiple head coaching interviews, the Jaguars were able to retain the young defensive coordinator for the 2026 season.  This also coincided with Johnson’s contract season. Starting safety Andrew Wingard is a free agent and unlikely to return. Wingard’s departure would allow Johnson to be the team’s starter for the full season.  He could become one of the highest-paid safeties in the NFL.

Difficult Decisions

The market consists of the highest earners making upwards of $20 million per season, with the rest falling between the $10 to $20 million range. The task will not be easy, however. Travon Walker and Parker Washington are also playing on expiring contracts in 2026, and based on their positional value will command a higher price point. The Jaguars could have as many as four $30 million-per-season contracts, which could leave Johnson as the odd man out.

The fourth-year safety will likely have to put together a Pro Bowl-or All-Pro-caliber season, to justify a multi-year contract. In a contract negotiation, who you were drafted by matters. Being drafted by an old regime could result in Johnson not being seen as a high priority by the new front office. Second-year safety Caleb Ransaw was drafted by general manager James Gladstone in 2025, but missed his rookie season due to a season-ending injury. If he performs well, he could take Johnson’s starting spot in 2027.

Antonio Johnson will have his work cut out to make a case for himself as a long-term option in Jacksonville. While the salary cap increases with every season, so do contracts. The Jaguars have a number of hefty ones that could result in 2026 being Johnson’s final season with the Jaguars regardless of how well he plays.