The brunt of the offseason is in the books and training camp is still off on the horizon. Join us in the NFL’s dead zone with a player-by-player review of the Jaguars roster ahead of the 2023 season.
When the Jacksonville Jaguars scooped up Caleb Johnson off waivers just before the start of the 2022 season, they hoped he’d be a productive special teamer. They got that and much more from the linebacker.
By the end of the year, he was the Jaguars’ leading tackler on special teams and earned an 88.2 grade from Pro Football Focus, easily the highest for any player on the unit.
While Jacksonville has no shortage of linebackers with Foye Oluokun, Devin Lloyd, Chad Muma, and Ventrell Miller, Johnson’s value on coverages and returns could make him close to a lock for a roster spot in 2023, as well.
Contract (2023): $940,000 base salary, $940,000 cap hit.
Acquired: Jaguars claimed Johnson off waivers from the Chicago Bears on Sept. 1, 2022.
PFF grades (Special teams):
- 88.2 (2022)
- 65.2 (2021 – CHI)
Statistics:
- One forced fumble, 16 tackles (2022)
- One fumble recovery, eight tackles (2021)
Quote: “When he became available from Chicago, he was a guy that we targeted. He’s exceeded expectations. We knew he was going to be a good player but he’s been even better. He has great hands, good physicality, good instinct and a good feel to get to the ball. His ability to get off blocks, he has good length and he’s just always around the football.” – Jaguars special teams coordinator Heath Farwell on Johnson
