SEALED; Detroit Lions has just completed another big signing.

SEALED; Detroit Lions has just completed another big signing.

Ray Johnson III, an edge, has been signed by the Detroit Lions to bolster their practice squad.

Jay Morrison was the first to report the news.

According to a source, DE Raymond Johnson III is being signed by the Lions to their practice squad.

Johnson was tied for second in the preseason in both sacks and total tackles, and he led the Bengals in QB hits and pressures.

— August 31, 2023, Jay Morrison (@ByJayMorrison)

Johnson played with the Cincinnati Bengals during the offseason, turning in great performances. To many’s surprise, the Bengals released him in spite of this. He was rated by PFF as the third-best edge defender during the preseason. After signing with the New York Giants as a UDFA, Johnson was eventually released and signed with the Bengals the following season.

Trey Hendrickson, Myles Murphy, Sam Hubbard, and Joseph Ossai make up the Bengals’ crowded edge group. Johnson would not have been able to make the roster because of the intense competition he faced. Johnson’s release was a tough decision for the Bengals to make. They intended to add him to the practice squad, but it would be difficult considering how well he had performed in the preseason.

It will be interesting to watch whether Johnson can secure a spot as the Lions chose to retain seven edge rushers on their initial 53-man roster. Johnson’s signing will strengthen the Lions’ defense because the practice squad lacked any edges. The Lions now have four open practice squad spots to fill as a result of this signing.

It looks like Raymond Johnson III could make this roster‼️

He has truly established himself and performed admirably last night in crucial situations.