Green Bay, Wisconsin – In a swift move to bolster their edge rush defense, the Green Bay Packers have officially signed former Carolina Panthers player DJ Johnson, just days after Lukas Van Ness was forced to leave the field due to a foot injury in the dramatic Week 6 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
According to the NFL’s official website announcement, Johnson – the third-round pick (80th overall) in 2023 by the Panthers – has been added to the Packers’ 53-man roster following a successful workout session on Tuesday. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 260 pounds, Johnson is known for his “power merchant” playing style, using his hands like sledgehammers to overpower opposing offensive lines, as evaluated by draft analyst Lance Zierlein prior to the draft.
In his brief career with the Panthers, Johnson appeared in 31 games, recording 62 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and half a sack before being released in Week 5. “We’re very excited to welcome DJ to the team,” head coach Matt LaFleur shared in a brief press conference on Wednesday. “He brings the power and potential we need, especially in the current situation. This isn’t just about adding depth; it’s part of our strategy to build a solid defense.”
This decision comes amid concerns about the status of Van Ness, the 2023 first-round pick, who has shone in the No. 3 pass rusher role with an 18% pass-rush win rate (18th in the NFL per ESPN Analytics) and 16 pressures through the first six weeks of the season. Van Ness suffered the foot injury in the third quarter of the Bengals game, where he notched his first solo sack of the season, and was carted off the field. Fortunately, LaFleur confirmed the injury is not serious, but the timeline for his return remains uncertain. “We’ve avoided something bad, but Lukas will be out for a while. That’s a loss, because he’s been playing really well,” the coach said.
With the blockbuster trade acquiring All-Pro Micah Parsons before the season, the Packers had shifted Van Ness to a rotational role, but he has remained a key factor alongside Parsons (23% pass-rush win rate). To fill the temporary void, Kingsley Enagbare and fourth-round rookie Barryn Sorrell will be prioritized, but Johnson represents a potential upgrade if he integrates quickly.
Immediately after signing the contract, Johnson shared emotional words with local media, expressing gratitude and determination: “I’ve loved the Packers’ green for a long time, and this opportunity feels like a dream come true. I’m not here as a replacement for anyone – I’m here to compete, to prove my worth. I will give everything I have for this team, for the passionate fans at Lambeau Field, and for the championship we deserve.”
This move not only helps the Packers (3-1-1) maintain their top-tier pass rush in the NFC North but also sends a clear message: LaFleur’s team doesn’t wait – it acts immediately to protect its contender status. The Packers’ next game will be a showdown againstthe Arizona Cardinals (2-4) on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Lambeau Field, where Johnson could make his debut if all goes smoothly.
With a history of turning undervalued talents into stars, the Packers hope Johnson will be the next piece in their Super Bowl 2025 journey. Cheesehead fans are eagerly awaiting to see if the “sledgehammer from Oregon” can create some surprises.
