XFL free agents that the Redskins should be interested in signing
4. LB Steven Johnson, Seattle Dragons
Another 30-plus-year-old defender on this list? Yes, that is indeed the case.
The Redskins need some help at the linebacker position and if they want to grab the XFL’s best, they will target Steven Johnson. The 31-year-old played for the Seattle Dragons after playing for the AAF’s Arizona Hotshots and proved that he could still potentially find a place in the league.
Johnson entered the NFL in 2012 as an undrafted free agent out of Kansas and found success as a backup linebacker. He made a career-high seven starts in 2014 for the Broncos and then bounced around to the Titans, Steelers, and Ravens following that.
In the XFL, Johnson proved to be an instinctive tackler. He led the league with 48 tackles and was a big part in helping to keep the Dragons competitive thanks to his solid overall defensive ability. Linebackers can play into their mid-30s at the NFL level, so the Redskins shouldn’t be afraid to add a guy like Johnson to the mix if they’re confident that he can find a role as a backup like he did during his previous time in the NFL.
As is the case with Moore, adding a player in their 30s may not be ideal for the ‘Skins. But if they’re looking to build up some extra depth at positions they’re weaker at, it could make sense to add an accomplished player with NFL experience. And even if Johnson doesn’t make the roster, he would add much-needed experience to a relatively green Redskins linebacker corps.