Jets Country

Report: Jets Part Ways with Reserve Running Back Ty Johnson

The fifth-year pro, who re-signed in March, was cut with a non-football injury tag, per ESPN's Field Yates

Ralph Ventre

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Ty Johnson's one-year contract lasted about one month. 

The backup running back received his release, along with a non-football injury designation, from the New York Jets, according to ESPN's NFL reporter Field Yates. 

The Jets re-signed Johnson, who did not miss a game in 2022, to a new deal early during the NFL free-agency signing period last month. 

The 5-foot-10 Johnson has appeared in 44 games for the Jets since they claimed the Maryland product off waivers from the Lions in October 2020.

Johnson, a core special teamer, initially entered the NFL in 2019 as a Detroit Lions’ sixth-round draft pick. 

The reserve running back, who earned one start, averaged 5.3 yards per carry in limited opportunities last season. 

Johnson posed a legitimate threat as a pass-catcher in 2021. Over a 16-game sample that season, he made 34 receptions for 372 yards and two touchdowns. Twenty of his grabs resulted in first downs for the Jets.

During his 62-game NFL career, the native Marylander has rushed 208 times for 925 yards. The fifth-year pro has 668 receiving yards on 86 catches. He has seven total touchdowns (4 rush, 3 rec). 

Although he was viewed as an insurance policy in the running backs' room, Johnson's release leaves a void on the Jets' special teams units. He played nearly 200 snaps on specials last fall. 

The Jets could find a replacement for Johnson in the 2023 NFL Draft pool. The Jets Country Draft Series features an installment that highlights late-round/UDFA running back options for Gang Green.

READ MORE:

Jets Country Draft Coverage 

DRAFT SERIES: Running down RB Possibilities 

DRAFT SERIES: Identifying Developmental QB Options

Douglas Talks Trade Compensation, Excitement for Aaron Rodgers' Arrival

Three Things We Learned from Twitter as Jets Opened Off-season Program 

Jets Country's 2023 Offseason Personnel Tracker

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Ralph Ventre
RALPH VENTRE

Ralph, a former college football conference administrator, brings 20 years of media experience to the New York Jets beat. Prior to concentrating on Gang Green, he covered the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision for NFL Draft Bible on FanNation. Ventre remains as an official voter for the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and the annual legacy awards. The Fordham University graduate is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America. The veteran sports media professional resides in his native state of New Jersey.

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