As the Ravens continue to make some minor additions on the fringes of their roster in training camp, they made an offensive signing on Saturday. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Ravens were signing veteran running back D’Ernest Johnson.
Ravens are signing free-agent running back D’Ernest Johnson, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 2, 2025
Johnson is a six-year veteran who played his first four seasons with the Cleveland Browns, so the Ravens are familiar with his game. He then joined the Jacksonville Jaguars over the past two years. Johnson has primarily worked in a backup/reserve role during his career but has had some productive moments.
For his career, the Florida native has been efficient with his opportunities, averaging 4.6 yards per carry and 8.8 yards per reception. Johnson’s best season came in 2021, where he rushed for 534 yards on 5.3 yards per carry with three touchdowns.
For the Ravens, Johnson is likely to cap out as a preseason and training camp body with slim chances to make the 53-man roster. Johnson figures to see heavy preseason action in lieu of Derrick Henry and Justice Hill. However, if the team wanted to keep a No. 4 running back, he could compete with rising sophomore Rasheen Ali for that role.