Lonnie Johnson Jr. is returning to the Texans after failing to reach a new agreement with the Saints.
After failing to reach an agreement on a new contract with the Saints, the adaptable defensive back announced his
NEW ORLEANS — Regretfully, NFL free agency involves both the loss of talent and the addition of talent. Lonnie Johnson Jr., a versatile defensive back, will be leaving the New Orleans Saints this summer.
Shortly before it was revealed that Johnson will be teaming up again with the Houston Texans, Johnson shared love on social media for the fans in New Orleans. The defensive back’s one-season career in New Orleans was regrettably cut short by an injury. However, many felt that he deserved to stay with the Saints for another season because of his influence in the locker room and on the field.
Although it’s unclear, Johnson’s social media post suggests that there could have been interest in resigning from both parties. He wrote on X, “We just couldn’t get it done, but I promise we tried.” Rather, he will rejoin the Texans, who selected him in the 2017 draft.
Johnson played in 12 games, most of which included him in special teams and dime defensive back rotations. He also occasionally filled in as the team’s deep safety. In 2023, he recovered a fumble, intercepted three passes, and played defense.
After their excellent starting secondary, New Orleans will need extra assistance at defensive back. The team’s strength from the previous season remains a mystery with Johnson’s departure and the whereabouts of safeties Jonathan Abram and Ugo Amadi still to be determined.
