Detroit Lions Blocked By XFL From Signing QB Josh Johnson

In a first for the XFL, the league blocked the Detroit Lions from signing recently acquired QB Josh Johnson. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

“Lions had interest in signing QB Josh Johnson, but XFL blocked them, per source.”

Lions had interest in signing QB Josh Johnson but XFL blocked them, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 25, 2019

Johnson signed with the XFL on Friday as part of its November Supplemental draft. He, along with Taylor Heinicke and Chase Litton, were a new crop of Tier 1 QB’s to sign with the league.

As an XFL Tier 1 player, Johnson was placed on the Los Angeles Wildcats franchise. He will complete with Luis Perez for the starting QB spot and work alongside Offensive Coordinator Norm Chow.

Tier 1 players stand to make more than the average base salary of $55,000 in the XFL. A Tier 1 QB salary range is in the $500,000, making it comparable to NFL practice squad money. Once signed, players are locked into the XFL the entire season, which ends in April.

Johnson was with the Detroit Lions practice squad but was cut in September. The Lions are considering shutting down their star QB Matthew Stafford after he suffered from fractured bones in his back.

Since Johnson has familiarity with the Lion’s offense, he would have been an excellent option to help current starting QB, Jeff Driskel. But now that Johnson is with the XFL, that option is off the table.

A fifth-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2008, Johnson has spent time with 13 NFL franchises since entering the NFL. He was also the #1 overall pick in the AAF draft but never played for the league.