Kerryon Johnson will not make it to free agency. The Eagles submitted a successful waiver claim Friday and will bring in the three-year veteran running back, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets.
The Lions waived the 2018 second-round pick this week. Johnson, who has battled injuries as a pro but returned to play in 16 games last season, has one year left on his rookie deal.
Sitting sixth on the waiver wire, Philadelphia has Miles Sanders entrenched as its starter. The team also rosters Boston Scott and used a fifth-round pick on Kenneth Gainwell last week. An Auburn alum who went off the 2018 draft board 43rd overall, Johnson fell out of favor in Detroit. The Eagles also have a new coaching staff, however, and will see if Johnson can play a complementary role.
Although Johnson joined Mikel Leshoure and Ameer Abdullah as 2010s Lions second-round backs that fell short of expectations, he did show some promise as a rookie. Johnson averaged 5.4 yards per carry in 2018 and scored four touchdowns in 10 games. However, the first of his knee injuries sidetracked that season. Johnson suffered a knee injury in 2019 as well. The 2018 knee malady did not require an IR stay, but Johnson went on IR twice in 2019.
Interestingly, the 23-year-old back did not miss any time in 2020. But the Lions had moved in a different direction. They drafted D’Andre Swift in Round 2 and signed Adrian Peterson. Both played in front of Johnson, who logged 52 carries for 181 yards during an off-radar season.
Why? Sanders is a true #1 back and they steal snaps from him for Boston Scott, and now u add this bum. Howie always thinks he’s the smartest guy in the room. SMH
Lol. Sanders is always banged up and ask to come out of games. Scott stinks and can’t break a tackle. He is 23yrs old and had success as a rookie.
I’m the biggest Howie detractor there is, but Miles can’t stay fully healthy, Scott is garbage, it’s time they stop acting otherwise, and we don’t have much experience behind them. This is a low cost move that makes a ton of sense.
Scott only stinks when he’s not playing against my Giants.
“And they steal snaps from him for Boston Scott.” What are you even saying? Scott is a dumpster fire. Depending on him as the backup to an oft injured starter makes no sense. Now Kerryon can be the guy to spell Sanders, and work as the primary back if/when sanders misses time. He might not be a pro-bowler, but he’s not being paid to be one, and he’s better than the vast majority of backups in the league.
Haha! Mikes a true one?? I like him ok. He’s a good player when he’s healthy. But even then I wouldn’t call him a true 1. Especially if you’re insinuating he is prototypical lead/feature back.
Miles
I like this move by the Eagles. I always was a fan of Kerryon. He is only 23 years old and he works hard. You fans in Philly will love him.
More depth at ball carrier is always a good thing. Better to have 4 guys rush for 1,600 yards.
Not if he’s on your fantasy team
Howie: How tall is he?
Some dude: 5’11
Howie licks his lips: Let’s get that
As you well know, 5’11” is taller than a ton of RBs, including some guy named Emmitt.
Kerryon Johnson 5’11
Miles Sanders 5’11
Kenneth Gainwell 5’11
Wow, he somehow managed to stay healthy for 50 carries divided by 16 games? That’s an amazing testament to his grit and toughness. Keep calm and Kerryon.
Good low cost pass catcher out of the backfield. Still only 23. Loved the Gainwell pick,he could be our Hines. But it doesn’t hurt anything to let Kerryon compete with Scott and Howard for depth. If the Giants had made this move you guys would be bitching about that too.
A low-cost running back with a strong upside if he stays healthy. That’s a good pick up for the price. In an Eagles offense that will have more ball carrying this year, it’s nice to have this stable of running backs to choose from.