If you’ve followed the Philadelphia Eagles over the last few years, you know the drill. It’s the "Patrick Johnson cycle." One week he’s on the roster, the next he’s waived, then he’s back on the practice squad, and suddenly he’s playing 20% of the defensive snaps in a crucial divisional game.
Honestly, it's kind of wild.
Most recently, the Eagles re-sign Patrick Johnson yet again, continuing a trend that shows exactly how much this front office values "the guy who knows the system." For those who missed the mid-season shuffle, Johnson was released from the active roster on November 4, 2025, only to be signed back to the practice squad 24 hours later. It’s the ultimate "break glass in case of emergency" move, except the glass is already taped back together from the last three times they broke it.
The Patrick Johnson Roster Rollercoaster
Let's look at the actual timeline here because it's a headache. Johnson was originally a seventh-round pick out of Tulane back in 2021. He spent three seasons as a core special teamer before the Eagles waived him in 2024. The Giants claimed him, he played 12 games in New York, and then... he came right back to Philly on a one-year deal in March 2025.
Why? Because Howie Roseman loves depth he doesn't have to teach.
In the 2025 season, Johnson has actually seen the field more than people realize. He’s appeared in nine games so far, tallying a handful of tackles and even a sack against the Giants—sweet revenge for a guy they let go. He’s played about 22% of the defensive snaps this year, which is actually a career-high for him.
But it's not about the stats. Not really.
What He Actually Does
Most fans just see #48 (or whatever number he's wearing this week) and think "special teams guy." You're not wrong. He’s recorded 18 career special teams tackles. That matters in a league where one missed lane assignment leads to a 60-yard return.
However, in Vic Fangio’s defense, Johnson has become a "system veteran." When the Eagles traded for Jaelan Phillips or signed Za'Darius Smith, they needed superstars. But when those guys need a blow or get a "stinger," you need a body that won't blow a coverage.
Why the Eagles Re-sign Patrick Johnson (Again and Again)
The NFL isn't just a game of talent; it's a game of logistics. By moving Johnson between the active roster and the practice squad, the Eagles can manipulate their 53-man limit to accommodate injuries to other positions—like when they needed to activate offensive lineman Cameron Williams or make room for trade deadline acquisitions.
- Familiarity: He’s been in the building for five years. He knows the terminology.
- Special Teams Value: He’s a "four-core" special teamer.
- Cheap Depth: His 2025 cap charge is barely $252,500. That’s pennies in NFL terms.
- The "Giants" Factor: Keeping him in Philly means he’s not helping a division rival who already showed interest in him.
Is He a Long-Term Piece?
Probably not. Let’s be real.
Johnson is 28 years old now. He’s a "glue guy." He recently mentioned in an interview with PennLive that he feels he’s proved he can be more than just a "swing" player, but with the Eagles' current edge rush room—featuring Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, and the newly added veteran talent—the ceiling for Patrick is limited.
He’s the guy who saves your season in Week 11 when the flu hits the locker room. He isn't the guy on the Super Bowl poster. And that’s okay. Every championship team needs a Patrick Johnson.
What This Means for the 2026 Offseason
Since he's currently on a one-year "prove it" (or more like a "stay here" deal), he’ll be a free agent in 2026.
If the Eagles keep him on the practice squad through the playoffs, expect him to sign one of those "Reserve/Future" contracts the second the season ends. It’s a low-risk move for the Birds. If a younger, faster linebacker shows up in the draft, they cut him. If not? Pat’s back at the NovaCare Complex for another summer of golf and 7-on-7 drills.
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Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're tracking the Eagles' roster moves, don't panic when you see "Patrick Johnson waived." It's almost always a procedural move to clear a spot for a Saturday elevation. He’ll likely be back on the squad by Tuesday morning.
- Watch the Practice Squad Elevations: If Johnson is elevated, it usually means the Eagles are planning to play a "heavy" defensive game plan with more rotation at the EDGE position.
- Special Teams Impact: If the Eagles' kick coverage starts to struggle, look for Johnson to get a permanent promotion back to the 53-man roster.
- Fantasy/Betting: Don't touch him. He's a real-life asset, not a fantasy one. His tackle ceiling is about 3 per game.
Basically, the Eagles re-sign Patrick Johnson because stability is a luxury in the NFL. In a league where players come and go like Uber rides, having a guy who knows where the bathrooms are and how to set the edge in a 3-4 defense is worth every cent of that veteran minimum.