WR Tyler Johnson signs with Jets and appears to earn a promotion in the process

Some players never seem to realize their true potential. However, when it came to Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tyler Johnson, it appeared his hard work and effort had finally paid off. In his fifth NFL season, and second on the Rams roster, Johnson finally turned the corner. He made the Rams roster. He got offensive snaps again. He even was targeted in the offense.

In that Rams offense, that is saying something. Due to injuries that seemed to haunt the Rams offense in 2024, Johnson started two games for the Rams. But it was hard not to notice that he did not get a start in Week 18, when the Rams played backups. He did catch four of seven passes for 35 yards and a touchdown.

But the Rams decision seemed clear. When Johnson's contract expired at the end of the 2024 NFL season, he would not be offered an opportunity to return.

Jets add Johnson

Ironically, the New York Jets were the only team on the Rams schedule not to see him play. The Rams inactivated Tyler Johnson in Week 16. But their front office must have done their homework, because Tyler Johnson has agreed to terms to play for the Jets.

And on paper, at least, he appears to be their WR2 on the newly formed offense right now:

After the Rams extended WR Tutu Atwell, it was clear that WR Tyler Johnson would not be back. Still, Johnson was the least worked wide receiver who had that prototypical height of 6-foot-1 and weighing between 205 and 210 pounds. If the Rams front office had any intention of retaining two receivers, Johnson would have been the second to be extended.

Instead, he's off to compete for the New York Jets.

While New York City can be a tough place for newly arrived players, I suspect that Johnson has been battle-hardened after five NFL seasons of limited work to let this chance pass him by. He may not be a 1000+ yard receiver, yet, but when he was given a reasonable workload, he delivered. When targeted seven times or more, he caught 13 of 21 passes for 171 yards and a touchdown. The only hiccup was that 21 passes were spread out over three games.

Johnson will get more chances on the Jets roster. And depending on who ultimately becomes their starting quarterback, he could be a name you will hear often in 2025.

As always, thanks for reading.

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