The Baltimore Ravens have bolstered their defensive lineup with the addition of inside linebacker Jamon Johnson, who has joined the team for Saturday's practice. Johnson, a Maryland native and former Georgia Bulldog, brings valuable experience and depth to the position, especially with the absence of Teddye Buchanan due to a season-ending knee injury.
Johnson's journey to the NFL is an intriguing one. He played in two games with the Green Bay Packers last season, making one start and accumulating 10 tackles. His time at Georgia, where he played in 14 games as a true freshman, was a significant part of his development, helping the Bulldogs win back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022. Johnson also had the opportunity to play alongside Ravens safety Malaki Starks during his time at Georgia in 2022.
The 24-year-old's college career took an interesting turn when he transferred to Kentucky in 2024 for his final season. Despite being undrafted in 2025, Johnson signed with the Packers and made their practice squad, showcasing his resilience and determination. This move to the Ravens, however, presents a new challenge and an opportunity for him to prove his worth.
The addition of Johnson to the inside linebacker rotation is a strategic move by the Ravens, especially with Buchanan's absence. The team already has a solid group of inside linebackers, including Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson, Jay Higgins IV, Carl Jones, Dominic DeLuca, and Reid Williford. Johnson's presence will provide much-needed depth and competition, which is crucial for the team's success during the preseason.
In other roster moves, the Ravens have waived undrafted rookie cornerback Matthew McDoom. McDoom, a Florida native, had a successful collegiate career at Coastal Carolina and Cincinnati, totaling four interceptions and 26 passes defended across four seasons. His release is a strategic move by the team to focus on other areas of the roster and potentially bring in new talent.
The Ravens' recent signings and waivers demonstrate their commitment to building a strong and competitive team. With Johnson's addition, the team gains a versatile and experienced player who can contribute on both defense and special teams. His presence will undoubtedly add depth and competition to the inside linebacker position, which is essential for the team's success during the upcoming season.
