Doug Pederson Explains Why the Jaguars Signed D'Ernest Johnson in Free Agency

The veteran running back is set to challenge Snoop Conner for a spot on the roster.

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson sees a clear role for new running back D'Ernest Johnson.

Johnson, 27, will spend his fifth season as a pro with the Jaguars after four productive and versatile years in Cleveland -- years that proved to Pederson that Johnson is the type of player who can improve the running back room, specifically behind Travis Etienne and JaMycal Hasty.

"Yeah, you know, when you're looking, you know, especially at running backs, [it's a] couple of things. Free agent value, how they play on special teams. And then he's a bigger guy. He, you know, had some really good games in Cleveland," Pederson said this week at the NFL's annual owners meetings. 

Ultimately, Johnson is set to push 2022 fifth-round pick Snoop Conner for a spot on the depth chart. Conner played sparingly as a rookie, rushing the ball just 12 times for 42 yards and a touchdown while playing only 38 offensive snaps all year. 

The ultimate deciding factor could come down to special teams, an area Pederson has emphasized all offseason. Johnson starred on special teams for the Browns, while Conner didn't register any special teams snaps in 2022.

"And you know, he's a guy that's a veteran type player who just again, gives us depth, gives us competition. Somebody I think that that can, you know, come in and challenge maybe Snoop. I say challenge, I mean, good competition there, right, as we go and, and just see where things fall out," Pederson said. 

"But the special teams, for him, obviously, is something of importance as we look to these guys"

In addition to averaging 5.2 yards per carry and recording three touchdowns and 967 yards from scrimmage with the Browns, Johnson also made an impact on special teams. He played over 140 special teams snaps in each of his four years with the Browns, including 200 snaps in 2022.

"I think in today’s game you’ve got to have two to three guys. They’ve got to be able to carry the load," Pederson said at the NFL Scouting Combine.

"You’re talking about a 18-week, 17-game schedule and the postseason. It’s wear and tear on guys. We haven’t seen enough of Snoop Conner (RB) yet either, but we like him. We know what JaMycal (RB JaMycal Hasty) can do. We obviously know what TJ, Etienne (RB Travis Etienne Jr.) can do. You’re always looking to have two, three, four guys that can work the rotation at any given time. The last thing I’ll say is I like him to play special teams as well, so that’s a big part of the, I think the impact of a running back is being able to play special teams."