What Happened to Joshua Javon Johnson?
Josh Johnson is an American professional football quarterback renowned for his extensive journeyman career, having played for a record 14 different NFL teams, along with stints in the UFL and XFL. As of March 2026, he signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, marking his third tenure with the team and continuing his remarkable longevity in the league at age 39.
Quick Answer
Josh Johnson, the NFL's most-traveled player, signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on March 14, 2026, for his third stint with the team. He previously played for the Washington Commanders in 2025, appearing in five games and starting two. Johnson continues his career as a veteran backup quarterback, known for his resilience and ability to step in when needed across numerous franchises.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Drafted by Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Josh Johnson was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 5th round (160th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft after a standout college career at San Diego.
First NFL Start
Johnson made his first NFL start for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Carolina Panthers.
Begins Journeyman Career
After leaving the Buccaneers, Johnson began a series of short stints with multiple NFL teams, including the San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns, marking the start of his journeyman reputation.
First Stint with Cincinnati Bengals
Johnson played for the Cincinnati Bengals, one of his many stops in the NFL.
Returns to NFL with Washington Redskins
After five years out of the NFL, Johnson signed with the Washington Redskins (now Commanders) and was forced into action due to injuries, starting games and throwing his first touchdown since 2011.
XFL Passer Rating Leader
Johnson played for the Los Angeles Wildcats in the XFL, leading the league in passer rating before the league suspended operations.
Signed by Baltimore Ravens (Second Stint)
Johnson was signed by the Baltimore Ravens from the Jets' practice squad and started a game due to injuries to Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley.
Plays in NFC Championship with 49ers
Johnson played for the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game after injuries to Brock Purdy, but he also suffered a concussion.
Signed by Baltimore Ravens (Third Stint)
Johnson signed with the Ravens for his third tenure, serving as a third-string quarterback behind Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley.
Re-signed with Baltimore Ravens
Johnson re-signed with the Baltimore Ravens, continuing his role as a backup quarterback.
Signs with Washington Commanders
Johnson signed a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders, marking his return to the franchise and his 14th NFL team.
Appears in Games for Commanders
During the 2025 season, Johnson appeared in five games for the Washington Commanders, starting two, completing 63% of his passes for 372 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
Signs with Cincinnati Bengals (Third Stint)
Josh Johnson signed a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals, marking his third time with the team and continuing his NFL career at age 39.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Joshua Javon Johnson, born May 15, 1986, has carved out a unique and enduring career as a professional football quarterback, primarily known for his unprecedented journey across a record 14 different NFL franchises, in addition to playing in the United Football League (UFL) and XFL. Drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft, Johnson's career has been characterized by his role as a reliable backup, often called upon due to injuries to starting quarterbacks.
Johnson's career path saw him move frequently, with multiple stints with teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Baltimore Ravens. His ability to quickly assimilate into new offenses and provide a veteran presence has made him a valuable asset, even if his time with any single team was often brief. A notable turning point came in 2018 when, after not having played an NFL down for five years, he was signed by the Washington Redskins (now Commanders) and started games, showcasing his enduring capability.
In recent years, Johnson has continued his remarkable longevity. He spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, re-signing with them in March 2024. For the 2025 NFL season, Johnson joined the Washington Commanders, signing a one-year deal. During his time with the Commanders in 2025, he appeared in five games, starting two, where he completed 63% of his passes for 372 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, leading the team to a 1-1 record in his starts.
As of March 14, 2026, Johnson, at 39 years old, signed a one-year deal to return to the Cincinnati Bengals. This marks his third tenure with the Bengals, further cementing his status as the NFL's ultimate journeyman quarterback. His continued presence in the league underscores his dedication, adaptability, and the value teams place on his experience, even in a backup capacity. Johnson's career is a testament to resilience in a sport with notoriously short career spans, with his goal being to play until at least age 40.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Joshua Javon Johnson made different choices?