Former Jets cornerback Trumaine Johnson is back on the unemployment line.
The Panthers released Johnson from their practice squad on Friday in order to make room for kicker Kai Forbath. Carolina signed Johnson to its practice squad on Sept. 19, but the 30-year-old did not last a full week with the organization.
The Jets parted ways with Johnson this past offseason following an underwhelming and tumultuous two-year stint with the team. Former GM Mike Maccagnan inked Johnson to a five-year, $72.5 million deal with $34 million in guaranteed money in 2018 to make him New York’s highest-paid defensive back since Darrelle Revis. However, Johnson never came close to holding up his end of the bargain, routinely getting burned in coverage and caught not giving his maximum effort.
Johnson started 10 games for the Jets in 2018, recording 40 tackles, five pass breakups and four interceptions. Despite the four interceptions, he graded out as one of the worst cornerbacks in the NFL that season. Last year was more of the same, as Johnson struggled again before landing on season-ending injured reserve with an ankle injury after only seven games.
It remains to be seen if Johnson will draw any interest now that he is back on the open market. If the Montana product does not hear from any teams soon, it could mean the end of what has been a lucrative NFL career.
