Over the coming weeks with the NFL’s free agency period on the horizon, I will be taking a closer look at each of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ pending free agents and predicting whether or not each player will return or sign elsewhere.
Up next is running back D’Ernest Johnson, but if you missed any of our other previews up to this point, you can find them below:
Mac Jones Luke Farrell
Johnson has spent the last two seasons with the Jaguars. His role during that span has been relatively small, totaling 41 carries in 2023 and 32 carries in 2024, along with 22 total receptions.
This past season specifically, Johnson was more efficient as a ball carrier this year compared to last, averaging 4.5 yards per rush. He’s also shown the ability to pick up yards in the passing game when getting the ball in space, totaling 206 receiving yards on just 22 receptions since 2023.
Of note, Johnson went from playing 142 special teams snaps in 2023 to just 55 this past season–and didn’t include any beyond Week 9. For a back end of the depth chart player, the ability to help out on teams is a must for most.
As of now, the Jaguars have just three running backs under contract for the 2025 season, so multiple additions will have to be made. However, two of those backs are Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby.
In addition to that, and what I really think is working against Johnson when it comes to whether or not he will return, is the depth of this year’s running back draft class.
ESPN’s Jordan Reid said that he had a whopping 33 prospects with draftable grades. The opportunity for the Jaguars to add young, high-end talent at the position on a team-friendly rookie deal will exist and with 10 picks in this year’s draft, Jacksonville could reasonably add multiple backs to their 2025 roster as well.
Something to keep in mind when it comes to the running back position in Liam Coen’s offense is that both Rachaad White and Bucky Irving were top 15 among all running backs in targets last season.
So to put on bow on this, between Bigsby and Etienne both returning and it being an absolutely loaded draft class at running back, I think the Jaguars let Johnson explore free agency. While, of course, the Jaguars will want more roster depth for training camp and to create competition, realistically there may only be one roster spot on the 53-man at this position up for grabs this summer.
Prediction: D’Ernest Johnson signs elsewhere.
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