It's only OTAs but this Jaguars veteran already looks like a new version of himself

Last year, Antonio Johnson entered training camp needing to compete for the starting job at safety next to Eric Murray. At the time, there was even the chance that the Jacksonville Jaguars could cut him before the start of the regular season. But in the end, the former Texas A&M Aggie stuck around and went on to have a banner season.

Fast forward to 2026, and Johnson should be firmly entrenched as the starter. If the Organized Team Activities are any indication, he should have no trouble making an impact once again.

Antonio Johnson is stealing the spotlight at Jaguars OTAs

John Shipley of Sports Illustrated drew up a list of the biggest winners following the second week of Jaguars OTAs. He heaped praise on Antonio Johnson, arguing that he looks like a grizzled veteran in command of the defensive scheme.

"Johnson simply looks as in command of the defense and secondary as he ever has," Shipley wrote. "He has developed from a promising role piece to one of the true backbones of Anthony Campanile's unit, and it is impossible to ignore the veteran of confidence he is now moving with. Johnson looks like he is in the best place of his career, and the Jaguars have not been shy about acknowledging just how important he is."

Johnson is entering the fourth-year of his rookie deal, so he should be incentivized to once again have a banner year.

Expected to go late in Round 1 or early in Round 2, Johnson slid to the fifth round. Listed as a safety, he had the flexibility to line up anywhere across the back end. This is why it wasn't particularly shocking to see him mostly line up in the slot as a rookie. In fact, he turned out to be fine, registering two interceptions and one forced fumble.

Johnson switched back to safety in 2024, but struggled and was eventually benched. This is why he had to compete for the starting job last year. The East St. Louis, Illinois native began the season behind Andrew Wingard and Eric Murray but made the most of his chances and ended up getting a featured role by the end of the year.

All in all, Johnson appeared in 17 games with nine starts, registering a team-best five interceptions and nine passes defensed. He had the highest Pro Football Focus grade among safeties who logged over 100 snaps in 2025.

Antonio Johnson could give the Jaguars a tough decision

Just recently, Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James signed a three-year extension worth $76.5 million. If Antonio Johnson keeps playing at a high level. He'll probably be looking for a similar deal. The issue is that he may not get it with the Jaguars.

After giving Travon Walker a four-year deal worth $110 million, the franchise is making an effort to extend wide receiver Parker Washington and tight end Brenton Strange. However, it doesn't seem like the Jags are making an effort to retain Johnson. In fact, they may already be planning for a life without him.

Back in 2024, they used a third-round pick on Caleb Ransaw. A corner at Tulane, the former Green Wave switched to safety in Jacksonville. He suffered a leg injury that forced him to miss his rookie mix but is back in the mix. Aside from Ransaw, the team's brass used another third-round pick in 2026 on Jalen Huskey.

While Ransaw and Huskey may not start next season, one of them could be the heir apparent for Johnson.

But regardless of how things play out, all signs point to Antonio Johnson once again being a playmaker for the Jaguars. What happens beyond 2026, though, remains to be seen.

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