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A former Carolina Panthers draft pick has finally found a second NFL home.
As announced on Wednesday, outside linebacker DJ Johnson has signed to the Washington Commanders' practice squad. Johnson, Carolina's third-round pick from two years ago, had been a free agent since early October.
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The Panthers traded up to select Johnson with the 80th overall pick of the 2023 draft. Their jump saw them send their third-rounder (93rd overall) and a fourth-rounder (132nd overall) to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Johnson went on to struggle in Carolina, totaling just five starts and half a sack over three seasons. Before being waived on Sept. 30, following their Week 4 loss to the New England Patriots, he recorded two tackles over four games in 2025.
The 27-year-old now rejoins the man who drafted him, former Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer. Fitterer currently serves as a personnel executive for the Commanders.
Only two of the Panthers' five draftees from their 2023 class (quarterback Bryce Young and guard Chandler Zavala) remain with the team.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: NFL roster moves: Former Panthers OLB DJ Johnson signs with Commanders
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