The former 2021 4th round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers has been well traveled in his early NFL career, having also spent time with the San Francisco 49ers, Houston Texans, Chicago Bears, and most recently, the Cowboys organization.
He appeared in 1 game for the Cowboys so far this season, playing 82% of the team’s special teams snaps in Week 1. However, he played in 14 games for Dallas last season, recording 8 tackles (3 solo).
The Colts could be kicking the tires on additional linebacker depth. Specifically, the team hasn’t found a clear answer alongside reigning All-Pro linebacker Zaire Franklin, despite trying a number of different options rotationally.
At this point though, I’m not sure that the Colts can realistically expect much more from Johnson than the others they’ve already tried rotationally—all of whom are better suited as backups than first-team defensive starters.
That being said, it doesn’t hurt to at least try, as the status quo hasn’t been providing nearly enough production.