The Detroit Lions are set to sign veteran QB Josh Johnson, according to a report from Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. Johnson was one of two QBs the Lions worked out on Saturday morning to try and fill the void at backup QB with Tom Savage’s injury.
Johnson is the consummate journeyman veteran. The Lions are the 12th NFL team he has signed a contract with since entering the league in 2009. He has thrown just 268 career passes and only taken the field for action in four games since 2011. That action came last year with the Washington Redskins.
His biggest claim to fame was being the QB on Jim Harbaugh’s team at the University of San Diego.
Savage had his head slammed into the Ford Field turf on Thursday night, and the defender’s knee inadvertently followed through and also hit Savage on the side of the helmet. He has not officially been diagnosed with a brain injury but signing Johnson is an indication the team is concerned about his status.
Johnson started four games for Washington last year, completing 57 percent of his passes for three touchdown and four interceptions. He comes to Detroit with at least a little bit of familiarity. Back in 2017, both Johnson and current Lions quarterback Sean Ryan worked together as members of the Houston Texans. That year, Johnson did not play a regular season snap, but he had a decent preseason, going 22-of-34 for 239 yards and a touchdown.
Don’t know the rules for concussion protocol, the Lions have to officially report that to the league, right? Which somebody would discover in short order, I would think. Sooo, I don’t think Savage was diagnosed with a concussion, but the Lions are concerned enough not to play him util they’re sure he’s good to go. And that’s why they went after an FA QB. Plus they need a camp arm.
Update: Savage IS in the concussion protocol, per HC Patricia. Savage has a history of concussions though, so if Johnson looks halfway decent then maybe they should go with him. If I’m Tom Savage I’m thinking about hanging 'em up, brain injuries are not to be taken lightly.
Coach didn’t say that Crosby was also in the concussion protocol, which I thought was reported after the game last night.
Anyone got a list of qb’s Bevell has worked with over the years? Maybe there’s a team willing to part with a backup for a conditional 6th or 7th rounder?
Been hoping for this all offseason. I hate our core of back up qb’s.
Remember when we gave up a 7th for Shaun Hill?
The reporters covering practice had good things to say about Johnson’s arm strength. With Jones and Golladay both being deep threats, I’d want anyone filling in for Stafford to be able to take advantage of their speed. A dink and dunk QB limits the offense too much for my liking.