The Jacksonville Jaguars didn’t make a splash signing in the first two weeks of free agency. The biggest addition was running back D’Ernest Johnson who shined in limited usage with the Cleveland Browns.
While Johnson seemingly has the inside track to be the second running back on the depth chart behind Travis Etienne Jr., Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke says the team sees a role for their new addition that goes beyond offensive contributions.
In an interview with Demetrius Harvey of Florida Times-Union, Baalke said Johnson’s special teams skills played a big factor in the signing.
“When you’re looking, especially at running backs, [a] couple of things [come into play]: free agent value [and] how they play on special teams,” Pederson said Monday at the league meetings in Arizona.
Johnson, 27, only had 141 carries in four seasons with the Cleveland Browns, although he averaged 5.2 yards per attempt. While he was on the field for just 492 offensive snaps in that four-year stretch, Johnson was in on special teams for 733 snaps.
In addition to averaging 24.8 yards on 26 kick returns and 4.4 yards on five punt returns, Johnson also recorded 14 tackles on special teams.
The Jaguars’ backfield now includes Etienne, Johnson, JaMycal Hasty, and Snoop Conner. But Johnson’s special teams skills make him one of the more valuable players for the Jaguars at that position.
