Projected Salary and signing bonus for New Carolina Panther LB, DJ Johnson
DJ Johnson just became the second Oregon Duck taken in the 2023 NFL draft. He was selected by the Carolina Panthers with the 17th pick of the 3rd round, and the 80th pick overall.
As a Duck, Johnson collected 64 total tackles with 39 of them coming last year. At the combine, Johnson ran a 4.49 40-yard dash, which is quick for an edge rusher. Scouts have also identified that his ability to jump off of the line post-snap is quicker than most, especially on third downs.
The 80th pick in last year’s draft was Greg Dulcich, a tight end taken by the Denver Broncos. Dulcich made $849,000 last year under a contract valued at $5.2 million to be paid out over the next four years, per OverTheCap.
This year it seems Johnson will be a bit luckier. His contract is valued at $5.6 million and he will receive a signing bonus of $1.1 million. If Johnson is paid the same share of his contract as Dulcich was in 2023, he will make $914,000 next season.
Since the departure of Luke Kuechly, the Panthers have been in desperate need of a good linebacker. Only time will tell if that LB will be DJ Johnson, but hopefully, he will be the change that the Panthers’ defense needs.
