The Jacksonville Jaguars are bringing back running back D’Ernest Johnson on another one-year contract, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
With Johnson set to return to a running back room that has starter Travis Etienne Jr. and 2023 third-round pick Tank Bigsby, it seems like the position group will look very similar, if not identical, during the 2024 season.
Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke has drafted a running back every year, though.
Jaguars used their third-round pick on Auburn RB Tank Bigsby, which should come as no surprise. Jaguars’ GM Trent Baalke now has drafted a running back in every single year he has been a GM (49ers 2011-2016, Jaguars 2021-2023).
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 29, 2023
The Jaguars carried four running backs into the regular season last year, but waived JaMycal Hasty in November.
Johnson finished his first season in Jacksonville with 108 rushing yards and 110 receiving yards on 51 total touches. As a whole, the Jaguars ranked 30th in the NFL in rushing yards per attempt, although they’ll hope newly signed center Mitch Morse can play a factor in bolstering the ground attack.
Prior to joining the Jaguars, Johnson played four seasons with the Cleveland Browns, averaging 5.2 yards per carry during his tenure with the team.
