DONE DEAL: After releasing Danny Johnson, commanders formally verified the signing of the former Ravens draft pick.

Washington Roster NFL Update: CB Danny Johnson signs a 2-year contract extension worth up to $7 million - Hogs Haven

DONE DEAL: After releasing Danny Johnson, commanders formally verified the signing of the former Ravens draft pick.

Commanders Sign Ex-Ravens Draft Pick After Releasing Danny Johnson

The Washington Commanders only gave Danny Johnson a new two-year contract back in March, but the cornerback’s time with the team is already up. He’s been replaced by Kyu Blu Kelly, a fifth-round pick for the Baltimore Ravens in the 2023 NFL draft.

Both moves were confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Wednesday, December 13.

Washington Roster NFL Update: CB Danny Johnson signs a 2-year contract extension worth up to $7 million - Hogs Haven

Kelly was in demand, with NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reporting the Los Angeles Rams and Houston Texans were also keen.

The move shows head coach Ron Rivera has reacted to seeing his secondary torched for 157 yards and two touchdowns by Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill in Week 13. Johnson has become a fall guy, but he also struggled to build on stepping in for benched first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes earlier in the season

Danny Johnson Couldn’t Build on Emmanuel Forbes’ Benching

Forbes was sent to the bench for Week 6’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. Johnson stepped in and contributed to the 24-16 victory with an important pass breakup against tight end Kyle Pitts.

Getting his hands on the ball hasn’t been a problem for Johnson. He showcased those skills against the Cleveland Browns last season, on a play highlighted by film analyst Mark Bullock.

Washington Roster NFL Update: CB Danny Johnson signs a 2-year contract extension worth up to $7 million - Hogs Haven

Unfortunately, plays like this one proved few and far between for Johnson. Instead, the former undrafted free agent allowed 16 completions from 22 targets and 13.6 yards per completion this season, according to Pro Football Reference

Inconsistency in coverage was only part of Johnson’s problems. Injuries also doomed the 28-year-old’s chances to stick in Washington.

He suffered a rotator cuff problem during joint practices with the Ravens back in August. Johnson also dealt with a fractured patella as a rookie.

While he never quite made the grade with the Commanders, Johnson did at least put more on tape than the cornerback who’s replacing him.