As Lonnie Johnson Jr. grew as a football player, it was Tyrann Mathieu he always looked up to, even modeled his game after. A taller version, at least.
It made sense once he got to the NFL in 2019 as a 2nd round pick, joining a Texans secondary that was looking to replace Mathieu that season. Three years later, Johnson was traded to the Chiefs. He had just missed Mathieu again, he had just missed Mathieu again. Johnson didn't appear in a game with the Chiefs, but was claimed off waivers by the Titans before and appeared in 12 games.
Not this time, with the 27-year-old signing as a free agent in New Orleans to finally play in the same locker room as the veteran safety.
"I’m just excited to see what energy he brings and how he approaches the game mentally," Johnson said, "and how I can take my game to the next level.”
Can't see the player above? Click here.
Johnson has appeared in 56 games, starting 19 of them. He's logged 183 career tackles (136 solo), along with 6 passes defensed and three interceptions, all coming in the 2021 season.
What's also fitting is what he prides himself most on: Versatility.
Johnson might be listed as a cornerback, but it might not even be his best position. In 2022 with the Titans, Johnson appeared at safety for 132 snaps, by far the most of any position. But he also logged snaps in the box, in the slot and at outside cornerback. For a team that values that sort of thing highly, it was an easy match.
Related
The Saints' DB room might not be done taking shape, but there are notable absences from this time last year. One is C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who was traded prior to the year and left a vacancy at slot corner that hasn't really been nailed down. Justin Evans has signed with the Eagles and the versatile P.J. Williams also remains a free agent. It's possible the Saints aim to upgrade in the type of role he's held down the past several seasons. The rotation at outside corner is as strong as any position, with Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, Alontae Taylor and Bradley Roby all starting games and playing well a season ago.
"I just want to focus, hone in on the playbook, learn as much I can," Johnson told WWL. "So, whenever it comes where there’s matchups with tight ends, whether it’s me playing in the middle of the field, slot, me go outside at corner. I just want to show that I can do them all and do them all at a high level and perform at the best level I can for this team.”
The proximity to Florida also played a role, Johnson said, and it was a former Florida Gator in Marcus Maye also offering a short but effective sales pitch. He had multiple offers in free agency, but in the end, the result was what became official on Tuesday: Lonnie Johnson Jr. is a member of the New Orleans Saints.
"This was the best opportunity for me, and the best situation and the best fit," Johnson said. "Obviously the team has great history and a winning culture, so there was no other option for me. I was like, let me go ahead and get in here and become a Saint as soon as possible.”
Related
