The Atlanta Falcons have announced the signing of linebacker Caleb Johnson. In a corresponding move, wide receiver Phillip Dorsett II has been released from the team.
Johnson was one of 20 tryout players present at the Falcons’ rookie minicamp last week. He spent the past three seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, recording 30 combined tackles and one forced fumble, primarily contributing as a special teams player. In 2024, he participated in over 80% of Jacksonville’s special teams snaps.
“That’s one of the things that helped me make a name for myself in this league,” Johnson stated to News4JAX in August 2024 regarding his role on special teams. “It’s something I do take a lot of pride in. Even if it is a small part of the game, it can make a big difference.”
Johnson entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent signed by the Chicago Bears in 2022 and was later claimed off waivers by the Jaguars in September of that year. He is an alumnus of Houston Baptist and became the first player from their program to sign an NFL contract and secure a spot on a 53-man roster out of training camp, according to The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain.
During his college career, Johnson was named co-Defensive Player of the Year for the Southland Conference during a shortened 2020 season. He completed his college tenure with 278 tackles, 10 sacks, and seven fumble recoveries.
While Johnson is expected to compete for a position on special teams, he joins other linebackers such as Kaden Elliss, Divine Deablo, Troy Andersen, and JD Bertrand.
Before Atlanta’s rookie minicamp practice on Friday, head coach Raheem Morris indicated that certain positions might be strengthened before training camp begins. These positions include wide receiver, defensive back, and linebacker. Morris has consistently avoided playing starters during preseason games since becoming head coach.
“There is some number status to that when you talk about where you’re at,” Morris explained. “… We’ve got to have guys that can go out there and compete at those positions, and when you look at your board, you can look at a couple guys where you’ll need some people.”
