The Las Vegas Raiders continue to reshape their roster under head coach Pete Carroll, securing veteran cornerback Lonnie Johnson Jr. to bolster their secondary.
With major offseason moves already in motion including the acquisition of quarterback Geno Smith the Raiders have now addressed a critical defensive need.
Raiders find their cornerback solution
After weeks of speculation regarding the Raiders‘ pursuit of a new cornerback, the team has settled on Lonnie Johnson Jr. rather than Vikings Pro Bowler Byron Murphy, who had been a rumored target. NFL insider Jordan Schultz confirmed Monday that Johnson, formerly of the Carolina Panthers, has signed with Las Vegas. While contract details have not been disclosed, Johnson’s addition brings experience to a defense undergoing significant changes.
Johnson, 29, was drafted in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. Since then, he has played for five teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs and Tennessee Titans. Last season, he appeared in 15 games for the Panthers, recording seven tackles. Though his stats may not stand out, Carroll’s defensive expertise could help maximize Johnson’s potential in Las Vegas.
Filling the void left by Nate Hobbs
The Raiders‘ decision to sign Johnson follows Nate Hobbs‘ departure to the Green Bay Packers. Hobbs, who had battled injuries in recent seasons, landed a lucrative four-year, $48 million deal with Green Bay, including $16 million guaranteed. The 25-year-old cornerback expressed excitement about his new opportunity, telling NFL Insider Josina Anderson that his time in Las Vegas prepared him well for the next step in his career.
With Hobbs moving on, the Raiders had no choice but to find a replacement. Johnson, though not a marquee name, offers versatility and veteran leadership-two qualities that could prove valuable as Carroll shapes the team’s identity. While it remains to be seen how successful this move will be, the Raiders have now addressed a key defensive gap as they continue to rebuild.
With both Las Vegas and Green Bay securing their cornerbacks, all eyes will be on how these offseason decisions translate to the field once the season kicks off.
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