The Tennessee Titans added experience to their running back room on Wednesday by signing veteran D’Ernest Johnson to a one-year contract.
In a corresponding move, the team waived running back Dominic Richardson, who had been brought in earlier in the week.
Johnson, who has been in the NFL since 2019, reported to practice at Vanderbilt Health Football Center the same day and immediately began competing for a roster spot.
Johnson, 30, went undrafted out of South Florida in 2018 after a productive college career in which he set school records for all-purpose yards and receiving production by a running back. After a stint with the Orlando Apollos of the Alliance of American Football, he signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2019 and carved out a role as a complementary back and special-teams contributor.
Over 103 career games with the Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Arizona Cardinals, and New England Patriots, he has rushed 228 times for 1,014 yards and three touchdowns while adding 53 receptions for 465 yards. His most productive season came in 2021 with Cleveland, when he carried 100 times for 534 yards and three scores. He has also proven reliable as a kick returner, accumulating 922 career return yards.
Last season Johnson split time among three teams, finishing the year with the Patriots. He appeared in seven regular-season games and all four of New England’s postseason contests, including Super Bowl LX, where he handled four kickoff returns.
Those appearances underscored the durability and versatility that have defined his seven-year career. At 5-foot-10 and 208 pounds, Johnson offers a change-of-pace option who can contribute on third downs and special teams, qualities the Titans value as they evaluate a crowded backfield.
Tennessee already features Tony Pollard as the featured back, with Tyjae Spears and Michael Carter also in the mix. Recent practice absences due to minor injuries created an opening for additional depth, and Johnson’s familiarity with multiple schemes and his willingness to contribute in any role made him an attractive addition.
Head coach Robert Saleh’s staff has emphasized competition throughout camp, and Johnson’s signing fits that approach by bringing a veteran who has succeeded as both a complementary runner and a core special-teamer.
The move comes as the Titans prepare for their remaining preseason games, including a nationally televised matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Johnson will have a short window to show he can help on offense and special teams before final roster cuts.
For a player who has bounced around the league since entering as an undrafted free agent in 2019, the opportunity in Nashville represents another chance to prove his value as a reliable, low-maintenance veteran.
If he can earn a spot, he would join a group that already possesses talent and now has added experience to weather the long NFL season.
