Former Detroit Lions’ running back Kerryon Johnson has been claimed by the Eagles per Drew Rosenhaus, Johnson’s agent (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter). Johnson had been waived by Detroit two days prior.
The Auburn product was a second-round draft pick by the Lions back in 2018. Despite having a rookie season in which he had 641 yards and three touchdowns, injuries hit Johnson hard. He played in 10 games in his first season, and just eight games in 2019.
By the time Johnson was finally able to play a full season in 2020, the Lions had already moved on and drafted De’Andre Swift in the second round. Johnson then became the third-string behind Swift and Adrian Peterson.
This resulted in Johnson getting just 52 rushing attempts, to go along with 182 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
The Eagles’ RB Room Will Be An Interesting Battle
Johnson will join a running back room that includes Miles Sanders, Kenny Gainwell, Boston Scott, and Jordan Howard, among others.
Out of that group, Sanders is obviously a lock to make the roster, and Gainwell already seems to be the favorite to be RB2. That leaves Scott, Johnson, and Howard to battle it out for third-string spot.
There’s also the chance the Eagles decide to carry four running backs. They just did that for a portion of last season, carrying Sanders, Scott, Jason Huntley, and Howard.
Johnson is still young- he’s 23 (24 in June), making him much younger than either Scott and Howard (both 26). If the Eagles are going by youth and potential when it comes to decision-making, then Johnson would have an edge in that department.
Regardless of how the situation plays out in the future, it’s nice to see the Eagles making moves like this. They need as much talent as they can get, and if that involves taking fliers on players such as Johnson, then so be it.
