March 21, 2026, 2:30 p.m. ET
The Miami Dolphins had several defensive backs hit the market this offseason, making that room a priority to address in free agency or the upcoming 2026 NFL draft in April.
In the first week of the new league year, Miami brought in a few defensive backs for 2026, including Lonnie Johnson Jr.
Before the team’s offseason program starts, let’s take this opportunity to get to know Johnson.
Pre-NFL days
Johnson was a four-star recruit out of West Side Leadership Academy in Gary, Indiana. He originally committed to Ohio State but decided to play at Bernardino Valley College, transferring to Garden City Community College in 2015 and then to Kentucky in 2017.
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In two years with the Wildcats, he appeared in 26 games and recorded 64 tackles, nine passes defensed, one interception, one sack and one force fumble.
NFL career
The Houston Texans took Johnson in the second round (No. 54 overall) in the 2019 NFL draft. Since then, he’s had stints with the Kansas City Chiefs, Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers and Las Vegas Raiders.
In 92 games over his seven seasons in the NFL, he’s recorded 224 tackles, 17 passes defensed, four interceptions and a fumble recovery.
Projected role in Miami
While Johnson began his career as a cornerback, he’s played much more safety in the last six years. At this point, he’s one of the best safeties on Miami’s roster, so he may be in line for a starting job. However, if he’s not, he can be a versatile backup at cornerback and safety while providing help on special teams.
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