Former Commanders Quarterback Agrees to New Deal With Ravens: Report

Getty Josh Johnson looks ahead.

Former Washington Commanders quarterback Josh Johnson has agreed to terms with the Baltimore Ravens on a one-year deal, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic.

Johnson, who has spent time with the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers and others, was with the Ravens in the 2023 season, but didn’t see any action.

Johnson has been in and out of the league since getting drafted in 2008, and he gets another opportunity with the Ravens ahead of turning 38 in May.

Johnson spent four games with the Commandeers in 2018, completing 52 of 91 pass attempts for 590 yards with 3 touchdowns against 4 interceptions. He hasn’t played in more than four games in a season since 2011. His most recent time on the field was with the 49ers, throwing for 10 yards on two attempts. He played one game with the Browns in 2012 but didn’t attempt a pass.

The career backup quarterback knows his role and has embraced it.

“I want to play at least until I’m 40,” Johnson said, according to an August 2022 story by The Denver Post’s Kyle Newman. “I’m going a year at a time, then I’ll re-evaluate again after 40. But until then, I’m trying to keep it going as long as I can.”

Josh Johnson Will Be Mentor & No. 3 Backup

In 2023, Johnson played backup to league MVP Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley, who is a free agent. This year, he’ll assume the same role but with second-year player Malik Cunningham in Huntley’s spot.

“Baltimore plucked Cunningham off the New England Patriots’ practice squad and he saw four offensive snaps last season, all at wide receiver,” BaltimoreRavens.com’s Ryan Mink wrote on March 14. “As Cunningham continues to develop as a quarterback, Johnson would provide Baltimore with a trusted veteran who could step into action if needed and be a good influence in the classroom. Cunningham has played in 39 NFL games and made nine starts.”

Whether he’s been on a practice squad or held an official roster spot, Johnson has been a professional. There’s a reason 10-plus teams have given him a chance to be in their locker room.

If Johnson can make an appearance with the Ravens in 2024, he will have seen regular-season action with nine teams, tying him for the second most in NFL history, according to a February 2024 ESPN story.

Johnson understood that during his time with the Denver Broncos in 2022.

“It’s all about understanding that we all follow in Russ’ lead, and my job is to be a sounding board for him and to make sure I’m reiterating the same things in the offense, going out there and executing the offense as similarly as possible while also playing my own game,” Johnson said, according to Newman. “I’m locked into the moment right now.”

Commanders Could Use Someone Like Josh Johnson

As the Commanders get ready to draft a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick, they could use a veteran, like Johnson, who’s been around the league.

The team did sign Marcus Mariota on March 12, according to several reports, and they have Sam Howell on the roster.

That’s where there is some “intrigue” surrounding Mariota’s signing, according to The Athletic.

“Howell’s inexpensive rookie contract extends through 2025 with cap hits of $1.075 and $1.19 million,” Ben Standig, Brooks Kubena and Randy Mueller wrote in a March 12 story. “Washington can easily absorb those figures and keep all three. If the staff prefers bringing a rookie along slowly, is Howell’s potential more enticing as a starter than Mariota’s experience?”