FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons have signed linebacker Caleb Johnson, the organization announced Monday. In a corresponding move, the Falcons released wide receiver Phillip Dorsett II.
Johnson was among the 20 tryout players in attendance for the Falcons' rookie minicamp last week. He spent the last three seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he recorded 30 combined tackles and one forced fumble, primarily as a special teams player. In 2024, Johnson played more than 80% of Jacksonville's special teams snaps.
"That's one of the things that helped me make a name for myself in this league," Johnson told News4JAX in August of 2024 of his special teams role. "It's something I do take a lot of pride in. Even if it is a small part of the game, it can make a big difference."
Johnson was claimed off waivers by the Jaguars in September 2022. He made his way into the league in 2022 as an undrafted free agent signed by the Chicago Bears. As a alumni of Houston Baptist, Johnson became the first player from the program to sign an NFL contract and make a 53-man roster out of training camp, according to The Athletic's Kevin Fishbain at the time.
In college, Johnson was named co-Defensive Player of the Year for the Southland Conference in a shortened 2020 season. He finished his college career with 278 tackles, 10 sacks and seven fumble recoveries.
Though likely vying for a spot on special teams, Johnson does join a linebacker room with Kaden Elliss, Divine Deablo, Troy Andersen and JD Bertrand.
Prior to Atlanta's rookie minicamp practice on Friday, head coach Raheem Morris suggested that there are certain positions where the team will look to bolster its ranks ahead of training camp, positions one could assume are deeper position groups like wide receiver, defensive back and, yes, linebacker. This tracks with previous roster management decisions of Morris, who has made it clear from the onset of his head coaching tenure that he does not play starters in preseason games come August.
"There is some number status to that, when you talk about where you're at," Morris said. "... We've got to have guys that can go out there and compete at those positions, and when you look at your board, you can look at a couple guys where you'll need some people."
