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Defensive back Lonnie Johnson is the latest Kentucky Wildcats NFL rookie to get paid, and it is certainly a rewarding deal. Johnson is official employed by the Houston Texans, who will pay him $5.2 million over four years.
OT Tytus Howard's $12.22M deal is fully guaranteed. CB Lonnie Johnson got $5.24M ($3.03M gt), OT Max Scharping $5.06M ($2.92M gt), DE Charles Omenihu $2.81M ($296,404 SB), CB Xavier Crawford $2.68M ($165.196 SB) and FB Cullen Gillaspia $2.62M ($103,552 SB).
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) May 10, 2019
According to OvertheCap.com, this is a four year deal that would make him a free agent in 2023. John McClain reported that $3.03 million of the contract is completely guaranteed, which is a lot of money.
The 54th overall pick in the NFL Draft, Johnson also received a signing bonus worth more than a million dollars. The Texans are pleased to have Johnson on the team, since they have need at the cornerback position and they believe he has a very high ceiling.
“Lonnie Johnson, a player we’ve obviously studied through the fall, outside cornerback with excellent height, weight, speed,” Texans general manager Brian Gaine told the Houston Chronicle. “Played very well in the Senior Bowl and matched up versus some very good competition. Very aggressive in run support. He can play perimeter press coverage, can play man coverage. We’re excited to have him.”
Johnson certainly feels lucky to be there as well.
“I had a great feeling meeting with the Texans,” Johnson told the Houston Chronicle. “It was surprising just because I didn’t know when it was going to happen. I didn’t know when or where I was going, but when it happened, I just thanked God. I was happy. I’m humbled and I’m ready.”
Now that he’s signed, he’s already working toward getting ready for the season where he will immediately compete for playing time. You have to be happy for the Gary, Indiana native to land in such a fortunate position and get a solid first NFL contract.
Read the entire Houston Chronicle piece about the Texans selecting Johnson here.