The Detroit Lions have signed offensive lineman Wesley Johnson
By Ash Thompson
The Detroit Lions signed veteran interior offensive lineman Wesley Johnson to a one year deal. Johnson starter 15 games for the New York Jets at center in 2017.
The Detroit Lions were not done shoring up the interior offensive line group. The team announced this morning that center/guard Wesley Johnson has signed a one year deal.Johnson played all five spots on the line at Vanderbilt, during his college days. He went to Pittsburgh in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL draft.
Johnson was the Steelers third string center as a rookie before being waived in October of that year. He did not survive waivers, and went to the New York Jets. Johnson made his first career start for the Jets in November of 2015. He replaced Nick Mangold in the starting line up the following year, after Mangold had a season ending neck injury.
Johnson was the Jets starting center for the entire 2017 season, and received terrible reviews. Johnson ranked no. 38 among centers in the bleacher report NFL 1000, and no. 35 of 35 eligible centers by Pro Football Focus. For a frame of reference on how bad that is: Travis Swanson was no. 35 and 32 respectively on those lists.
Johnson is a depth signing that can play in a pinch. He does not particularly alter the team’s draft plans, and very well may not make the final roster. He is a much better pass blocker than run blocker but not exceptional in either aspect.
Johnson will compete with Leo Koloamatangi for the Lions backup center role. He will also battle Kenny Wiggins and Joe Dahl for a position in the team’s guard group.
Next: Lions sign Levine Toilolo
Bob Quinn is continuing his pattern of ensuring that the team has starting experience in its depth chart. Johnson is not be the flashy signing that some Lions fans are hoping for. He is the exact kind of player that the Lions have been missing along their offensive line. The Lions will no longer be signing players like Zac Kerrin to plug holes.