Leonard

Johnson

It’s the second corner Arizona has signed after adding David Amerson. The moves suggest Budda Baker (knee) could miss some time.

We’re placing the Bucs inactives under Johnson to once again emphasize that matchups don’t get any better than the one facing Atlanta’s passing attack this week. The rest of Tampa Bay’s inactives: RB Michael Smith, S Cody Grimm, LB Najee Goode, C Cody Wallace, WR David Douglas, and DT Matthew Masifilo.

Second-round pick Johnathan Banks will get a long look, but the Bucs “don’t see any need to fast-track” the rookie, and may lean toward veteran incumbent Wright. With Darrelle Revis taking on Island duty, the Bucs’ No. 2 corner will receive constant safety help. 2012 UDFA Leonard Johnson is an underdog here.

The undrafted rookie was making his fourth start in five games. Anthony Gaitor and Danny Gorrer are now on at cornerback for the Bucs’ league-worst pass defense.

Johnson is ahead of second-round rookie Johnthan Banks. It could be based on seniority, but there’s also a real chance Johnson is viewed in-house as the favorite to man the right corner spot. He’s a smallish, slowish, short-armed cover corner, but Johnson is a very willing tackler and packs a punch.

CB Shaq Richardson was waived in a corresponding move. Johnson ended last season with the Patriots after spending his first three years in the league with the Bucs. He is unlikely to earn a big role in Carolina, but he does bring some starting experience to an extremely young cornerback group.

Johnson went down in the second half, and did not return. His status is uncertain.

Johnson is expected to immediately step in as the Panthers’ nickel corner to cover the slot. First up will be Larry Fitzgerald. Johnson spent most of last season out of the league before latching on late with the Patriots and getting destroyed in pass coverage. He was cut before the playoffs. At 5'10/196, he’s no match for the big Fitzgerald, who has one of the best matchups on the board.

Johnson had to spend the night in the hospital after going down last Thursday, but hasn’t ruled himself out for Week 12. All we can really say for sure is that Johnson should return this season.

Johnson logged 436 underwhelming snaps for the Panthers in 2016. The Bills’ secondary has been gutted following the losses of Stephon Gilmore (signed with New England) and Nickell Robey-Coleman (released). New Bills coach Sean McDermott was Johnson’s defensive coordinator in Carolina last season.