The Washington Commanders are kicking the tires on linebacker depth.
Former New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Caleb Johnson is working out for the Commanders on Tuesday, league sources tell FanBuzz.
Johnson originally signed as an undrafted free agent with the Jets this spring, before landing on the Steelers' practice squad for a portion of this season. The 25-year-old was released by Pittsburgh on Oct. 30 to make room for signing linebacker Mykal Walker to the practice squad.
A former standout off the edge in the UCLA defense, Johnson played 18 games for the Bruins where he produced 5.5 sacks and 7 tackles for loss. Johnson transferred to the University of Miami for his final season of eligibility, in 2022. By the end of his collegiate career, Johnson posted 137 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks, to go with two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
At 6-foot and 230 pounds, Williams showcased some freakish athleticism ahead of the draft, running the 40-yard dash in 4.44 seconds and posting a 126-inch broad jump.
The Commanders are looking to fill a need at EDGE, after trading former first-round draft picks Montez Sweat and Chase Young prior to the Oct. 31 trade deadline. Washington acquired a second-round pick in exchange for Sweat, in a deal with the Chicago Bears, and fetched a third-round choice in the 2024 draft from the San Francisco 49ers in the Young deal.
Johnson has yet to appear in an NFL game, but if he impresses the Commanders' brass during his workout, could quickly climb a suddenly thin depth chart at the position. James Smith-Williams and Casey Toohill started for the Commanders in Sunday afternoon's victory in New England over the Patriots.
The Commanders hit the road on Sunday afternoon, taking on the Seattle Seahawks. Depending on how Tuesday's workout plays out, could arrive in the Pacific northwest with a new pass-rusher in tow.
