Rams sign DB Alex Johnson to a futures contract?

Rams sign DB Alex Johnson to a futures contract, the team announced Tuesday. The deal gives the 25 year old another clear path to compete in 2026. A futures contract effectively locks a player into the team’s offseason roster. Therefore, Johnson will join offseason workouts, Organized Team Activities and training camp. As a result, he can compete for a 53 man roster spot.

Johnson’s journey has included practice squad stints with New York, Indianapolis and Tennessee. However, he has yet to appear in a regular season NFL game. Because he started his pro career as an undrafted free agent out of UCLA, this chance matters. Therefore, the futures deal gives Johnson time to show growth on film and at practice. For the Rams, it boosts depth and creates low risk competition at defensive back. In short, the signing makes sense for both player and team as they evaluate talent. Expect him to report for spring work.

Rams sign DB Alex Johnson to a futures contract

Alex Johnson is a 25 year old defensive back who earned the Rams’ futures deal after working on multiple practice squads. The contract locks him to Los Angeles’ offseason roster. Therefore he will take part in OTAs, minicamp and training camp. As a result, he gets a real shot at a spot on the 53 man roster.

Johnson starred at UCLA across five seasons. There he played 55 games and showed playmaking skill in coverage and on special teams. After college he went undrafted in 2024, but he signed with the New York Giants as a free agent in May. He impressed enough to land on New York’s practice squad after final cuts. However the Giants released him in October 2024.

Soon after, Indianapolis added Johnson to its practice squad. Later the Colts released him coming out of the preseason. In September he signed with the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad. He bounced on and off Tennessee’s P squad before the Rams brought him to Los Angeles in December. He never appeared in a regular season NFL game, but he has built a resume through persistence and practice.

Career highlights and key stats

• College games played: 55 for UCLA
• College tackles: 55 total
• Tackles for loss: 1
• Interceptions: 5
• Passes defended: 6
• Fumble recoveries: 1
• Defensive touchdowns: 1
• Pro experience: Practice squads with New York Giants, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans and Los Angeles Rams

Johnson’s path reflects the modern undrafted route. Because teams value young, versatile defensive backs, futures contracts offer low risk and upside for clubs. For more on the signing and context see: Rams’ signing of Alex Johnson.

Expect Johnson to use the offseason to refine technique, impress coaches and compete for a spot.

Futures contract explained: why this matters for Alex Johnson

A futures contract is a standard offseason path for players not on active rosters. It signs a player to the team once the new league year begins. Therefore the player joins the 90 man offseason roster. As a result, Alex Johnson will take part in Organized Team Activities, minicamp and training camp. This gives him structured chances to earn a roster spot.

Because Johnson has moved through multiple practice squads, the deal provides stability. It also guarantees access to coaching, film study and team schemes. Moreover he can compete in position drills and special teams periods. That exposure matters because coaches often promote practice squad players who stand out in camp.

Impact on roster spots and Los Angeles Rams offseason strategy

The Rams gain low risk depth at defensive back with upside. Futures contracts do not count against the active season cap. Therefore teams can evaluate talent without large financial commitment. For Los Angeles, this signing increases competition at corner and safety. It also protects the team against injuries during offseason work.

What Johnson must do to stick

He must show consistent technique, reliable tackling and versatility on special teams. Furthermore he should use film study to reduce mistakes and improve situational awareness. If he performs well in drills and preseason, he could convert this futures deal into a 53 man roster spot. Otherwise he may return to the practice squad, but with more experience and visibility.

In short, the signing gives Johnson a tangible route to the NFL. At the same time the Rams add a cost effective option for depth and development.

The Los Angeles Rams signed DB Alex Johnson to a futures contract, a move that adds low risk depth at defensive back.

Therefore Johnson gains guaranteed access to offseason workouts, Organized Team Activities and training camp to compete for a roster spot. As a result he can showcase progress on technique, special teams and situational play over the spring and preseason.

For the Rams the deal increases competition at corner and safety while protecting the roster during early work. Additionally the club can evaluate Johnson without major financial commitment because futures deals carry minimal cap impact. If he performs well he could convert this opportunity into a place on the 53 man roster.

Follow Rams News LLC for further updates at Rams News LLC and on Twitter @ZachGatsby. We will track Johnson through OTAs, minicamp, preseason and roster cutdowns to report roster moves and progress. Finally expect frequent roster analysis as the Rams sort depth and make decisions ahead of the new season.

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Follow Rams News LLC on Twitter @ZachGatsby for ongoing updates and training camp coverage.