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The Ultimate NFL Journeyman: Inside Josh Johnson's Unprecedented 14-Team Career And His San Francisco 49ers Chapters

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As of December 24, 2025, quarterback Josh Johnson remains one of the most compelling and enduring figures in modern NFL history, a true testament to resilience and longevity in a brutal professional landscape. His name is synonymous with the term "journeyman," having created an unprecedented legacy by signing with a staggering 14 different franchises over his 15-year career. His multiple stints with the San Francisco 49ers have cemented his connection to the Bay Area, where he has consistently provided veteran depth and emergency relief across various seasons. The latest updates confirm that Johnson, who turned 39 during the 2025 NFL season, continues to play a vital role in the league, most recently with the Washington Commanders. While his primary role is often that of a backup or practice squad member, his ability to step in and perform under pressure has made him an invaluable asset, earning him a significant base salary for the 2025 season. This article dives deep into the career of the former University of San Diego star, focusing specifically on his memorable, yet often brief, chapters with the 49ers organization.

Josh Johnson: Complete Professional Biography and Profile

Josh Johnson’s profile is unique among NFL players, characterized by his status as a highly sought-after backup quarterback who has consistently found a place on rosters across the league. His professional journey began with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has since spanned nearly every corner of the NFL landscape.
  • Full Name: Joshua "Josh" Johnson
  • Position: Quarterback (QB)
  • Jersey Number: #17 (most recently with the 49ers)
  • Age: 39 (during the 2025 season)
  • Height: 6 feet 3 inches (6-3)
  • Weight: 205 pounds
  • College: University of San Diego
  • NFL Draft: 2008 NFL Draft, 5th Round (160th overall)
  • Drafting Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • Total NFL Experience: 11+ Years
  • 2025 Team: Washington Commanders
  • 2025 Base Salary: $1,255,000 (with the Commanders)
  • Notable Teams Played For: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, San Francisco 49ers (multiple stints), New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens, Washington Commanders.

The San Francisco Chapters: Johnson's Multiple Stints with the 49ers

The relationship between Josh Johnson and the San Francisco 49ers is a recurring theme in his career, highlighting the team's reliance on experienced, reliable quarterback depth. Johnson has signed with the 49ers on multiple occasions, often stepping in during times of injury or roster instability. His first tenure with the 49ers began in 2014. At this point, he was already established as a veteran presence, capable of quickly learning a new system and mentoring younger players. This initial signing was part of a broader career pattern where Johnson served as an insurance policy for playoff-contending teams or a stopgap for rebuilding franchises. The Bay Area native returned to the 49ers for a second time, with stints recorded between 2020 and 2021. These later periods were particularly crucial, as the NFL navigated the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated having a deep roster of available players. In one instance, the 49ers had to remove Johnson from the COVID-19 list, underscoring his role in managing the team's health and safety protocols during that challenging time. Johnson's familiarity with the West Coast style of football, having played his college ball at San Diego, made him a natural fit for the 49ers' system. Though he rarely saw significant starting time, his presence ensured that the team's quarterback room maintained a high level of professionalism and preparedness, a key factor for any franchise with Super Bowl aspirations.

The Ultimate Journeyman: A 14-Franchise NFL Odyssey

Josh Johnson’s career is perhaps best defined by the sheer volume of teams he has been a part of. He holds the unofficial title of the NFL's "ultimate journeyman quarterback," having been associated with 14 different franchises over a 15-year span. This astonishing feat includes multiple signings and releases, often involving the practice squad, and reflects the volatile nature of the backup quarterback market. His journey has taken him from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who drafted him in 2008, to the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, and Baltimore Ravens, among many others. Each stop added a unique chapter to his story, demonstrating his adaptability and commitment to the game. He has started games for the Buccaneers, Commanders, and Ravens, proving he can be effective when called upon to lead an offense. This constant movement is not a sign of failure but rather a testament to his consistent value. NFL teams continuously seek out experienced quarterbacks who can serve as an emergency option, and Johnson’s extensive knowledge of various offensive schemes makes him a prime candidate. His ability to quickly assimilate into a new locker room and contribute immediately is a rare and highly valued skill in professional football.

The 2025 Season and Johnson's Enduring Legacy

The fact that Josh Johnson was still active and contributing to an NFL roster during the 2025 season speaks volumes about his professional longevity. During 2025, he was on the roster of the Washington Commanders, where he served as an emergency quarterback. His role was crucial, especially given the constant threat of injuries to starting quarterbacks in the league. Financial details from the 2025 season show that Johnson was scheduled to earn a base salary of $1,255,000, a significant figure for a veteran backup. This salary reflects the high premium teams place on having a reliable, experienced player like Johnson ready on the sidelines. His presence is not just about throwing a football; it is about providing leadership, game preparation support, and a steadying influence in the quarterback room. Johnson’s career statistics, including his passing yards and touchdowns accumulated across various teams, only tell a small part of his story. His true legacy lies in his resilience and his unique place in NFL history as the most traveled quarterback. He has become a symbol of the hard work and mental toughness required to sustain a career in professional sports, even without the spotlight of a consistent starting role. As the NFL continues to evolve, the demand for players like Josh Johnson will remain high. His connection to the San Francisco 49ers, through multiple contracts and brief, impactful appearances, ensures that he will always be remembered in the Bay Area as a dependable veteran who answered the call, no matter the circumstances. Whether he continues to play into 2026 remains to be seen, but his career timeline is already a remarkable record of dedication and perseverance.
josh johnson san francisco
josh johnson san francisco

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