Washington Commanders to Sign Familiar Face as Backup QB Behind Daniels, Mariota

The two parties agreed to terms on Friday.

Then-Baltimore Ravens quarterback Josh Johnson on Aug 21, 2023. / Brad Mills-Imagn Images

The Washington Commanders have agreed to terms with journeyman quarterback and former franchise backup Josh Johnson, multiple outlets confirmed Friday.

Reunion: The Commanders are signing QB Josh Johnson to a 1-year contract, per source.

The ultimate NFL journeyman played four games - three starts - for Washington in 2018. Umpteen teams later, he's back as a potential third-string backup for Jayden Daniels.
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— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) April 11, 2025

Washington is signing QB Josh Johnson to a one-year deal, per source. Johnson started three games for Washington in 2018. He played two games in 2022 with San Francisco when Washington GM Adam Peters was then an assistant GM.

— John Keim (@john_keim) April 11, 2025

The team will be signing Johnson, 38, to a one-year-deal. He previously spent time with the Commanders in 2018, when he made three starts.

Johnson was drafted to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2008 draft, but has since been around the block. Last season, for instance, he was in Baltimore as a backup to Lamar Jackson, appearing in six games.

In addition to the Bucs, the Ravens, and the Commanders, Johnson also had stints with the Cleveland Browns, the Cincinnati Bengals, the New York Jets, and the San Francisco 49ers.

With this new deal, Johnson joins a quarterback room led by young star Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota behind him.

Across 45 career games, he has thrown for 2,297 yards and 13 touchdowns.

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