Lonnie Johnson Jr.

Career StatsF

Year	Team	GP	INT	PD	Tkl
Career		92	4	17	224
2025		9	0	2	25
2024		15	0	0	7
2023		12

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Dolphins secured solid value with Lonnie Johnson Jr.'s one-year, $1.5M deal, earning a B+ CVI that reflects smart roster building at the safety position. At just $1.5M AAV with minimal guaranteed money ($200K), Miami is paying depth piece rates for a player who's shown flashes of above-average coverage ability throughout his career stops in Houston, New York, and Los Angeles. The veteran safety brings versatility and special teams value that exceeds his modest salary, making this a clear win in the middle tier of free agency signings. The contract structure is virtually risk-free for Miami — they can evaluate Johnson's fit in their secondary without any meaningful long-term commitment, while he gets an opportunity to potentially earn a larger deal with strong performance. This represents the type of calculated, low-cost addition that championship contenders make to bolster their depth chart without compromising future flexibility.

Performance Analysis

Lonnie Johnson Jr. earns an F grade as a defensive back who has failed to live up to his second-round draft pedigree. His career has included a position switch from cornerback to safety, multiple team changes, and consistently underwhelming production. Johnson's physical tools — size, speed, and length — are elite, but translating those attributes into reliable coverage has been a career-long struggle. The Dolphins are another stop on a journey that hasn't produced the results anyone expected when he was drafted. At this point, the bust label has been applied and is unlikely to be removed.

Fan Sentiment

A reasonable depth add for Miami's secondary with upside potential on a low-risk deal. Five headlines covered the move, with reporters noting his physical tools and former second-round pedigree. His 'physical traits galore' label signals untapped athleticism that McDaniel's staff hopes to unlock. Fans are cautiously optimistic, buzzing about whether Miami finally maximizes his raw talent. Johnson profiles as a rotational safety who could push for a starting role if he stays healthy.