Montrell Johnson

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Carolina locked up Montrell Johnson on a modest $0.9M deal that earns a solid C+ CVI — a fair-value signing that reflects both his limited NFL track record and the Panthers' need for running back depth. At just under $1M annually, this represents exactly the type of low-risk, high-upside investment teams should make on young backs trying to establish themselves in the league. The one-year structure is smart roster management, giving Johnson a prove-it opportunity while keeping Carolina's options open for 2025 without any long-term financial commitment. Johnson's minimal salary hit means the Panthers can afford to be patient with his development, and if he emerges as a contributor, they'll have exceptional value at the position. This signing exemplifies how teams should handle developmental talent — pay appropriately for current production while maintaining flexibility to either extend or move on based on performance.

Performance Analysis

Montrell Johnson sits firmly in replacement-level territory at the running back position, and his D+ performance grade reflects exactly that reality heading into a Panthers offseason with the regular season still 132 days away. The most telling data point here is his current season résumé: two games played, which is essentially a footnote rather than a sample size worth building around. There is no statistical strength to highlight — the production simply is not there, and at 26 years old in his second NFL season, the window to establish himself as a meaningful contributor is narrowing fast. His role aligns precisely with what the transaction signals suggest: this is a camp-body addition, a depth piece competing for a practice squad spot rather than a genuine 53-man roster candidate. The media framing surrounding his signing confirms the low-stakes nature of the move — it barely registered as news, overshadowed immediately by other Panthers business, and carries the unmistakable fingerprints of routine roster shuffling. Johnson arrived undrafted and has done little in two professional seasons to reframe that narrative, and nothing about this signing suggests the Panthers view him as anything beyond a warm body to fill out the backfield depth chart through training camp. Unless he makes a dramatic impression between now and cutdown day, the realistic ceiling here is a practice squad role — and even that is far from guaranteed.

Fan Sentiment

A low-stakes depth addition that barely registers as news for the Panthers. Five headlines confirm this is routine roster shuffling, not a headline move. Johnson is an undrafted-level back with minimal NFL impact, signaling a camp-body role. Fans barely noticed, overshadowed by the David Moore practice window opening simultaneously. Johnson likely competes for a practice squad spot and won't crack the 53-man roster.