When the XFL was forced to suspend its season last year due to Covid, we saw a flurry of former stars get picked up by various NFL franchises. One of those names was former Los Angeles Wildcats quarterback Josh Johnson, who would go on to sign with the San Francisco 49ers.
Unfortunately, today we have some sad news to report. According to Tom Pelissero, Johnson has been cut by the franchise.
The #49ers have released QB Josh Johnson, source said.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 1, 2021
On November 22, 2019, Johnson was allocated to the Los Angeles Wildcats as part of the 2020 XFL Draft. Just three days later, the Detroit Lions tried to sign Johnson but the XFL did not allow him to leave his contract with the Wildcats. Despite the Wildcats finishing 2–3 in the shortened season in 2020, Johnson performed admirably in 4 games (missing week 1 with an injury) by converting 60% of his passes, completing 81 out of 135 attempts for 1,076 yards for 11 touchdowns against only 2 interceptions. As a result, Johnson was named the highest graded quarterback in the XFL by Pro Football Focus.
Over the years, Johnson has been known as a journeymen, signing with 13 different teams. In fact, he previously spent time with the 49ers in 2012, 2014 and 2020.
Johnson is a solid quarterback, so we won’t be surprised is we see him get scooped up in the near future. Whether it be the XFL, CFL or NFL, we’re confident he’ll land on his feet.
