JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Antonio Johnson burst onto the scene in the latter half of his rookie season, collecting two interceptions and allowing an NFL passer rating of just 45.1 in coverage.
Expectations were big for Johnson heading into 2024, but Johnson and the defense as a whole struggled. That 45.1 NFL rating jumped all the way up to 105.8, and the interceptions disappeared completely.
Insert defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile and an early trade involving Darnell Savage Jr, and Johnson’s fortunes quickly changed for the better. He slotted in as the Jaguars’ primary dime safety and performed admirably before taking on a starting role in place of the injured Eric Murray.
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In 2025, Johnson got his hands back on the ball, stealing five interceptions. Only the Bears’ Kevin Byard (7) had more at the safety position. According to NextGenStats, Johnson ranked second in interceptions, NFL Rating allowed (31.9), and coverage EPA allowed (-26.3). He also allowed just 54% of his targets to be completed.
By all accounts, he was one of the best safeties in the NFL. Pro Football Focus actually ranked Johnson as their No.1 safety in the NFL. And let’s not overlook Johnson’s incredibly low 5.3% missed tackle rate, seventh best among safeties last season.
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The Jaguars’ defense was undoubtedly one of the NFL’s best last season, but it’s time to prove they can do it again. Johnson now slots into a starting role, replacing Andrew Wingard. If he and Travis Hunter can prove to be upgrades at their respective positions, watch out. This becomes a scary, scary secondary.
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