The Washington Commanders have added depth and experience to their quarterback room by signing veteran signal-caller Josh Johnson to a one-year contract. The team announced the move on Friday, marking yet another stop in what has been one of the most remarkable and well-traveled careers in professional football.
Johnson, 38, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Washington. Since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Johnson has suited up for an unprecedented number of NFL teams. His stint with the Commanders will be his 14th with an NFL franchise, in addition to time spent in the United Football League (UFL), the XFL, and the short-lived Alliance of American Football (AAF). Johnson’s ability to adapt to different systems and step in on short notice has made him a valued veteran presence, particularly in backup and emergency roles.
This will actually be Johnson’s second stint in Washington. He previously played for the then-Washington Redskins during the 2018 season, stepping in for a team decimated by injuries at the quarterback position. Johnson started three games for Washington that year and impressed with his poise and dual-threat capability, throwing for 590 yards and three touchdowns while adding 120 rushing yards and a score.
Now, with the Commanders looking to bolster their quarterback depth behind expected starter Jayden Daniels — the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft — Johnson brings a steady hand and mentor-like presence. His familiarity with various offensive schemes and ability to serve as a bridge between coaches and younger quarterbacks is expected to be a key asset during training camp and the regular season.
The Commanders’ quarterback room also includes Marcus Mariota and Jake Fromm, but Johnson’s signing suggests the team values his experience and the insurance he can provide should injuries or performance issues arise. Additionally, his leadership in the locker room and knowledge of opposing defenses from years of experience could prove invaluable, especially to a rookie like Daniels.
Washington head coach Dan Quinn emphasized the importance of having depth at the quarterback position and praised Johnson’s veteran mindset, saying, “Josh has seen it all. He’s a pro, he knows how to prepare, and he’s someone who can step in and lead a team if needed.”
As the Commanders continue to retool under new leadership and with a promising young quarterback at the helm, the signing of Josh Johnson represents a strategic move to blend youth with experience — and give the team another reliable option behind center heading into the 2025 NFL season.
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