After spending his first three professional seasons as a New England Patriot, fullback Jakob Johnson signed with the Las Vegas Raiders this past Thursday, reuniting him with Josh McDaniels.
Johnson signing with the Raiders initially came as a surprise to many due to his success in Foxboro through the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program, but as he later explained during a recent interview in his native Germany, the Patriots informed him that his position no longer exists.
“The Patriots have informed me that they will no longer need my services next season simply because they will no longer have my position on the roster,” Johnson said to DPA News in Berlin.
Following his departure, Johnson shared a lengthy message over Instagram thanking the Patriots organization and fans for the opportunity.
In 37 career games with the Patriots, Johnson made 20 starts and totaled 13 receptions for 83 yards with one touchdown.
During his final season in New England, Johnson played in all 17 games as his blocking abilities assisted the team in averaging 124.4 rushing yards per game, good enough for eighth in the NFL.
As for how the Patriots will replace Johnson and the fullback position? In his weekly Sunday Column, ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss noted that Jonnu Smith could take on his workload.
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