
#34 RB · Los Angeles Chargers
1 transaction this offseason
Height
5'10"
Weight
205 lbs
Age
23
College
South Dakota State
Draft
Undrafted
Experience
0 yrs
RB Rank
#40 / 186
Grade this player:
| Year | Team | GP | Yards | TD | YPC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | ![]() | 2 | 8 | — | 4.0 |
| 2025 | ![]() | 2 | 8 | 0 | 4.0 |
Updated Mar 22, 2026
AAV
$2.7M/yr
This Amar Johnson signing represents a clear steal for the Chargers, landing a productive running back at an A- CVI that maximizes value at one of the NFL's most cost-efficient positions. At $2.7M AAV, Johnson delivers rotational player production at a price point that's perfectly calibrated for a complementary back who can contribute in multiple phases without breaking the budget. The contract structure minimizes risk while giving Los Angeles flexibility to utilize Johnson as a change-of-pace option behind their primary ball carrier, providing the kind of depth that becomes invaluable during the grind of a 17-game season. Running backs on affordable deals like this often outperform their contracts when deployed strategically, and Johnson's price tag allows the Chargers to allocate premium dollars elsewhere on the roster. This signing exemplifies smart roster construction — securing solid depth at running back without the financial commitment that often handcuffs teams at the position. The A- CVI reflects exactly the type of value-driven move that championship contenders make to build sustainable depth across their offensive backfield.
Amar Johnson earns a D+ for the Chargers at running back, placing him in the bottom half of Los Angeles's backfield depth chart. Johnson has shown some ability to pick up tough yards between the tackles, but he lacks the breakaway speed and elusiveness that modern NFL offenses demand from their backs. His receiving ability out of the backfield is limited, which restricts his usage to early-down and short-yardage situations. The Chargers have other options in the backfield who offer more versatility. Johnson is a roster-bubble player who needs to carve out a special teams role to secure his spot long-term.
A low-risk practice squad elevation with minimal fantasy or roster implications. Headlines focus broadly on Charger struggles, not Johnson specifically, signaling his limited impact. His preseason buzz faded quickly, echoing the 'preseason star' narrative one outlet explicitly flagged. Fans see this as a desperation depth move amid a two-game losing skid. Johnson is unlikely to stick long-term unless injuries create an opening at running back.
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