Buddy Johnson

Career StatsF

Year	Team	GP	Tkl	Sacks	INT
Career		32	28	—	—
2025		13	14	0.0	0
2024		14	8	0.0	0
2023		2	4

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Buddy Johnson signing represents a fair deal for depth linebacker help, earning a C- CVI that reflects reasonable value for a rotational piece. At just $1.0M on a one-year prove-it contract, Johnson's deal aligns appropriately with his current standing as a depth contributor rather than a core starter, making this the type of low-risk veteran minimum signing that smart front offices execute to shore up their bottom roster spots. The 25-year-old former fourth-round pick still has enough tread on his tires to potentially develop into something more meaningful, and the short-term structure gives both sides flexibility to reassess after the season. While Johnson hasn't established himself as more than a special teams contributor and occasional linebacker in his NFL tenure, the minimal financial commitment means there's essentially no downside risk for whichever team ultimately signs him. This is textbook depth chart management — not a needle-moving acquisition, but the kind of solid roster construction that helps teams weather injuries and maintain competitive special teams units without breaking the bank.

Performance Analysis

Buddy Johnson earns an F as a free agent linebacker, a player who was never able to establish himself as a contributor at the NFL level. Johnson was a late-round pick who had the size and physicality to compete, but his instincts and coverage ability were never good enough to earn consistent defensive snaps. His special teams contributions kept him employed for a while, but even that has not been enough to maintain a roster spot. The fact that he is unsigned tells you everything about where the league stands on his ability. Johnson gave it a solid effort, but the NFL level proved to be a step too far.