Duke

Johnson

Johnson has appeared in just six games since 2021 and didn’t take an offensive snap in 2023 after spending the entire season as a free agent. Johnson entered the league as the all-time leading rusher at the University of Miami and was viewed early on as a versatile every-down back. While he never rushed for more than 410 yards in any of his eight seasons, Johnson had five seasons of 40 or more receptions and went for 400-plus passing yards in each of those seasons. Johnson totaled 5,135 yards from scrimmage and 23 touchdowns in his career.

Signed to a one-year deal in March, Johnson was believed to be fighting Zack Moss for a roster spot, and it was Moss who had the better summer. Johnson just doesn’t play special teams, so it’s tough to make a club as a fourth running back that way. The former third-rounder is now 28 years old. Johnson averaged 4.6 YPC for the Dolphins last season.

Coming off some big performances for the Dolphins late last season, Johnson looked like he might have a path to touches when he signed a one-year deal in March, but things have changed since. Johnson appears to be well behind James Cook, who Buffalo drafted in the second round, and Zack Moss, who has earned rave reviews during camp after seemingly falling out of favor last season. As it stands, Johnson is on the outside looking in.

Ace beat writer Buscaglia envisions Johnson in a T.J. Yeldon/Matt Breida type role for the Bills as a mere insurance RB3/4 should Zack Moss not take a step forward this year. And Buffalo may even use a draft pick on a running back. Johnson was viewed by some as the consolation prize after J.D. McKissic swerved the Bills in free agency, but Johnson got just $377,500 guaranteed on a near-minimum deal. He turns 29 this season. Johnson won’t be a worthwhile fantasy pick unless there’s an injury ahead of him.

After being cut by the Texans in the 2021 offseason, Johnson looked at risk of falling out of the league. He was cut from the Jaguars practice squad and passed on after workouts with the 49ers and Panthers in September. He landed on the Dolphins practice squad in late October and was promoted to the active roster ahead of Week 11. He exploded in Week 15 for a 22-107-2 rushing line with 1-20 receiving, reminding the league that he’s not necessarily a pure receiving specialist. Buffalo may not have taken that reminder to heart, however, as Johnson looks to be the replacement for J.D. McKissic--the receiving specialist the Bills thought they had secured earlier in free agency. Johnson is unlikely to have a huge role with the Bills, but as an elusive runner with receiving ability, he could see more work as the season goes on. The 29-year-old (in September) is in the late round dart throw mix in best-ball drafts.

“The Dolphins likely would offer each a modest deal,” the Herald said. Johnson came on late for the Dolphins and clearly outplayed Myles Gaskin. This backfield likely still has some real flux in it, with Raheem Mostert a rumored target who Mike McDaniel is familiar with, but Johnson could be a real part of the rotation in 2022.

Johnson ran hard in his final game of the year. He out-carried Phillip Lindsay 25-11 while Myles Gaskin barely played versus New England. Johnson joined the Dolphins, who were dealing with COVID issues at the time, late in the year. He will be a free agent in the spring but has stated that he would like to sign a long-term deal with Miami. With how well he’s played for his hometown team to close out the year, it’s possible that give him a deal worth a few million dollars over one or two years. They won’t break the bank for him but they clearly prefer him over Gaskin and Lindsay. Johnson ends the year with 46 carries for 213 yards and two scores. His fantasy outlook for the 2022 season will depend entirely on where he lands in free agency.

“I would love to be here long-term. It’s home. Why not?” said the former Miami Hurricane. Johnson thoroughly out-produced the other backs on the Dolphins roster, including a 107-yard, two-touchdown blowup against the Jets in Week 15. It was always a little puzzling from the outside that his market was so slow to develop. He’d make a fine third-down back for quite a few teams in 2022.

Johnson out-carried Myles Gaskin 7-5, as Phillip Lindsay ran the ball just two times for one yard in the Dolphins’ three-man committee. Johnson caught 2-of-3 targets for 16 yards in the pass game. He won’t be a recommended fantasy start next week against New England’s tough defense.

After going 22-107-2 against the lowly Jets last week with Phillip Lindsay on the COVID list and Myles Gaskin just returning from the illness, Johnson was involved in a full-blown three-way committee in this one. Both Johnson and Lindsay handled 13 carries apiece, while Gaskin pitched in for three and saw all three backfield targets. With three running backs all seeing meaningful touches and playing time, none are of much fantasy use ahead of a Week 17 date with the Titans.