Josh Johnson Is Now A 49er
March 22nd, 2012
When the Bucs went out and got journeyman Dan Orlovsky to back up Josh Freeman at quarterback, it was pretty obvious that Josh Johnson, Freeman’s back up for three seasons, would be gone.
Though never a full-time starter, Johnson had aspirations to start, which he would not do here unless Freeman was injured.
Johnson took a step closer to that goal tonight when, per Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle, the 49ers signed Johnson hours ago.
Johnson will presumably compete with Colin Kaepernick, a second-round pick in the 2010 draft, for the backup spot behind Alex Smith.
In July, during the NFL lockout, Johnson openly talked about playing for the 49ers even as he had a year left on his contract with the Buccaneers.
“I’d get to come home, be with my family, play for a coach that changed my life and play for a team that I grew up loving,” Johnson said to The Chronicle.
Johnson was largely drafted by Chucky because of the numbers he racked up playing for Jim Harbaugh at San Diego (not San Diego State), a Division I-AA school.
Now, Johnson reunites with the coach, Harbaugh, that made him what he is, which many largely expected whenever Johnson’s contract ran out with the Bucs.
March 22nd, 2012 at 10:57 pm
He was a good sport being a back up all this time good for him going and being where he wants to be. But If i were him i would sign with the jags where i can be the starter.
March 22nd, 2012 at 11:02 pm
How long before Harbaugh calls him his career backup?
March 22nd, 2012 at 11:13 pm
He will eventually be the starter . No doubt in my mind. This kid has the confidence in his abilities. More importantly he knows his coach has the confidence in him too. He did it before with his coach and he will do it again with him.
If this kid stays healthy and gets his chance. he will be another Kurt Warner in the sense that they will not go back to Alex Smith just like the rams did not go back to Trent Green.
Here is a bold prediction. He is going to win a Super bowl with the 49ers.
He will prove to be a better quarterback then Freeman when its all said and done.
Just remember where you read it first.
March 22nd, 2012 at 11:19 pm
I wish him the best
March 22nd, 2012 at 11:23 pm
Good Luck JJ and best wishes.
March 22nd, 2012 at 11:23 pm
Very interesting calling JJ the Warner to Smith’s Green… I can see it, and again wish him the best
March 22nd, 2012 at 11:30 pm
Are you kidding me, Josh Johnson looked terrible in every game he played or started. He is not a very good QB in any sense besides being fast, and even when he scrambled he looked lost most of the time. He had no spark, couldn’t find open receivers, always looked scared or impatient in the pocket and made bad decisions with the ball. No way in hell he will ever be a starting QB in this league, he lacks talent and skill. Hell he is not even a very good 2nd string QB. I’ll take Orlovsky as a backup over JJ any day, if Orlovsky would have been the starter for the Colts from the get go I bet they wouldn’t be sitting with the number 1 pick in the draft right now.
March 22nd, 2012 at 11:31 pm
@Lion ok #2 then…..
March 22nd, 2012 at 11:40 pm
Sometimes its better to follow your head instead of your heart. JJ will go from #2 backup to 3’rd string QB now. He won’t be active most of the time and will make less money than what the Bucs would have paid him to be Freeman’s backup, keep his fat mouth shut, and stay a loyal Buccaneer. he really won’t be missed. I liked the kid but he wasn’t that bright and struggled every time he was given an opportunity. Too bad. Waste of raw talent.
March 22nd, 2012 at 11:41 pm
🙂
March 22nd, 2012 at 11:43 pm
JJ had a chance to be the Starter before Free got his shot. It was JJ’s job to lose and he blew it big time. Wimbley 2009′ total deer in the headlights disaster. He will never be a franchise QB. it isn’t going to happen, even with Harbaugh’s alchemy.
March 22nd, 2012 at 11:46 pm
To Lion.
Really.
JJ throws a better ball.
Is faster.
Has a much higher football IQ then Free.
What he did not have was a legit chance.
Some random thoughts for you.
With Free 27th ranked offence in the league.
22 Interceptions.
QB rating of 70
I’m not saying Free is a bad QB . All I’m saying is he was given the Job. Nothing was earned.
Once there was some tape on him NFL defences figured him out easily.
Free stopped scrambling and running with the ball all together.
How many right decisions did Rah make last year ? Not many.
Just maybe not believing in JJ was his biggest mistake of all.
Rah said I’ll sink or swim with Free….you know how that story ended.
March 22nd, 2012 at 11:56 pm
Even Ray Charles could see this coming. Good luck JJ, unless we play you.
March 22nd, 2012 at 11:57 pm
Marques, buddy…
You’ve got a hell of an imagination, and I applaud your charisma for JJ. I like JJ, I do – he’s quick and has a strong arm for a little dude. However, the decision making he’s shown in his, albeit limited, playing time is atrocious.
I don’t know how you say he has a higher football IQ than Freeman and that he throws a better ball, he doesn’t. He’ll be a fine backup and make for an interesting offseason QB battle in San Fran, though!
March 23rd, 2012 at 12:03 am
Good JJ sucked he was all hype and never did anything…
March 23rd, 2012 at 12:03 am
Marques, yes really. Dude you are sick if you believe that nonsense. Freeman was given the job, wow that is one of the dumbest things I have heard. Do you even know what you are talking about? Josh Johnson had his shot at being a starter and he was a starter and Freeman (rookie) ripped that from him so quick he didn’t even know what hit him. JJ throws a better ball? Wow you are crazy, JJ can barely complete a pass beyond 10 yards. Better football IQ, LMAO this is too funny, he threw 2 ints for every TD. How can you defend a guy with a career QB rating of 57? Do you know how stupid that makes you sound?
Freeman had a bad year because of Greg Olsen and his predictable play calling, after 2010 NFL defenses figured Olsen out. If you watched the games you could clearly tell the defenses always knew what we were doing. Freeman is the QB he was and 2010 that was no fluke and with Sullivan here now the potential is off the charts. Who cares what “Rah” says, he was a terrible head coach. That’s why he is gone and Freeman is still here.
March 23rd, 2012 at 12:16 am
Kid showed someone flashes.
Like to see him do well with his old coach. Lots of other 49ers sure did last year including former bust Smith.
I am still nervous about our back up. Prefer a seasoned pro backing up free.
March 23rd, 2012 at 12:18 am
Jrock
He is 6’3. He is more then big enough.
Brees is 6ft
Montana 6’2
Elway 6’3
Steve Young 6’2
Bradshaw 6’3
You guys are in love with the big guy. But in reality the barely win.
In any of the major sports the best have not been the biggest.
Jordan, Kobe, Wade, Lebron
Babe Ruth, Pete Rose, You name the player.
His decision making issues were clearly from a lack of playing time.
Free was apart of a 10 game losing streak… He is over rated. Youre in love with his size.
He is no where near the athlete JJ is.
Thats just a fact.
And Free himself is quoted several times that JJ is miles ahead of him is football iQ
Again those are the facts. Look it up yourself.
March 23rd, 2012 at 12:31 am
my god, how some of you can even turn on a computor is amazing….good luck jj, kid is a class act!!
March 23rd, 2012 at 12:32 am
Lion you are killing me.
You wont give Olsen the credit for the year before but you will give him the blame for last year. It doesn’t work that way.
Its about execution. Regardless of the plan. Running teams run , passing teams pass. Some mix it up well.
In the end it’s about players making plays.
The defence failed and the offence failed almost just as bad.
March 23rd, 2012 at 12:50 am
Marques- whaaa??
JJ started 5 games.
Lost 5 games
Will spend his career on the pine, collecting splinters.
Ya have to ah, win a Game or two, to get a SuperBowl ring
JJ hasn’t done that
Are you related to K2. He’s our other poster than seems to drift in and out of reality. Fantasies like that one about JJ are probably kept to yourself.
K2 thinks Foster was the league defensive MVP last year!
Lmao
More importantly, Shiano has done something I used to post about alot.
If Freeman got hurt- what is the most important thing for your Backup QB to do?
You want him to be able to run the offense, as smoothly as possible.
JJ could never do that here.
They were damn near opposites. Freeman is a huge, strong armed gunslinger.
JJ was a skinny lil scrambler.
When JJ came in, you had to completely change what yet offense did.
That isn’t what you want. Our bee Backup is stylistically much more like Freeman.
The offense continues unchanged- much less chaos. You continue to do the same things
It was a smart move by Schiano.
March 23rd, 2012 at 12:57 am
“it’s about execution”
Lol
The guy is 0-5 in the NFL
0-5
Yeah, like John MacKay said, when asked about his teams execution
” yeah, I’m in favor of it!”
Yeah, JJ ‘s execution would have been a popular Topic, if Freeman hadn’t saved his ass by replacing him as the starter
“Win the SuperBowl in San Francisco!”
Damn, these street drugs are getting stronger and stronger!
March 23rd, 2012 at 1:00 am
Oh, and same team that JJ had- Freeman his first game- against the Packers, no less
That’s what good QBs do
Pine riders go 0-5, and look hopeless
But apparently, do attract an occasion really off base fan!
March 23rd, 2012 at 1:15 am
He was never ready to start threw him to yhe wolvea whenleftwich was done!!He sucked along with morris leftwich aZnd the rest opf the smoke and mirrorsa!!
March 23rd, 2012 at 1:16 am
Fear The Glow:
LOL! Joe forgot all about that! 🙂
March 23rd, 2012 at 1:46 am
BigMacAttack Says:
March 22nd, 2012 at 11:40 pm
Sometimes its better to follow your head instead of your heart. JJ will go from #2 backup to 3′rd string QB now. He won’t be active most of the time and will make less money than what the Bucs would have paid him to be Freeman’s backup, keep his fat mouth shut, and stay a loyal Buccaneer. he really won’t be missed. I liked the kid but he wasn’t that bright and struggled every time he was given an opportunity. Too bad. Waste of raw talent.
========================================
Thank god someone on this thread knows what they’re talking about.
March 23rd, 2012 at 2:13 am
Wish Josh Johnson luck, good kid never really gotten a fair chance hope he has a great career with the 49ers. Maybe help them win a Superbowl.
March 23rd, 2012 at 3:25 am
I never gave Olsen any credit, he was a bonehead in 2010 as well. But we some how managed to win 10 games. Ever since he was promoted to OC, I was thinking “we seriously can’t do better then this?”
March 23rd, 2012 at 3:26 am
@Capt.Tim
Well said brother!!
March 23rd, 2012 at 5:26 am
Johnson will eventually beat out Smith. Johnson can throw a rope down the field and can’t be caught in a telephone booth. Johnson never had the reps and proper coaching required to succeed. I new he would end of up on the Niners. The coach and GM are always going to start the 1st round pick (Freeman)over the back up QB. If they didn’t, what would be the point in picking them in the 1st round.
March 23rd, 2012 at 6:40 am
JJ will probably beat out Smith next year.He is one hell of an athlete, he should have went to Philly he would beat out Young and Reid could mold him into a NFL QB. With Vick’s injuries would start allot of games.
March 23rd, 2012 at 7:46 am
JJ is probably a career backup but he’s a damn fine backup. He will be missed in Tampa.
March 23rd, 2012 at 8:01 am
Some of you are giving JJ too much credit and some not enough credit. I like JJ and I wish him well. I think he will do much better under harbough as he did before. He will not be 3rd string, he is more than capable of being a good backup.Under the right system and coaching he could be a starter, but I don’t see it happening anytime soon. He still needs a little more polish. Yes he lost the five games he started, the first 3 he was put in a bad situation where he was thrust into the role with no offseason reps. People neglect to mention that the QB before him also lost all of his games that year who was brought in to be the starter and had all of the offseason reps. The last two games basically the same thing, an under performing team with a bad OC. A least give the guy a chance with a team that is playing well before you label him as a bust.
March 23rd, 2012 at 8:03 am
Lion is right.
Marques drinks too much during games.
March 23rd, 2012 at 8:15 am
I will miss him.
He actually stayed in the game after dislocating his shoulder!!!
The dude is a gamer, he just needs reps,reps, and more reps to get comfortable.
I am happy he got signed by somebody.
He deserves a shot.
Much love JJ!!
March 23rd, 2012 at 8:18 am
When jj got his chance to start Clayton was the go to guy. His one start last uear he played very well and got no help,he hit guys down field,he had a couple 40+ yard cimpletions that were right on the miney including one where he was off the field the play before from a big shot to the shoulder
March 23rd, 2012 at 8:23 am
@Marques
He will eventually be the starter . No doubt in my mind. This kid has the confidence in his abilities. More importantly he knows his coach has the confidence in him too. He did it before with his coach and he will do it again with him.
If this kid stays healthy and gets his chance. he will be another Kurt Warner in the sense that they will not go back to Alex Smith just like the rams did not go back to Trent Green.
Here is a bold prediction. He is going to win a Super bowl with the 49ers.
He will prove to be a better quarterback then Freeman when its all said and done.
Just remember where you read it first.
r u kidding ?
March 23rd, 2012 at 8:41 am
@ BigMacAttack Says
JJ had a chance to be the Starter before Free got his shot. It was JJ’s job to lose and he blew it big time. Wimbley 2009′ total deer in the headlights disaster. He will never be a franchise QB. it isn’t going to happen, even with Harbaugh’s alchemy.
haha man i remember tht game also the eagles gm that yr total FAIL
March 23rd, 2012 at 8:47 am
Unbelievable!
The Hell you say! Do we have a bunch of first year fans here? He had his shot and blew it. Where is all this never got a chance garbage coming from? 2009′ hey JJ, here’s the keys, go for it. I wanted him to succeed as much as anybody, but he panicked in the pocket and couldn’t get it done. Then he gets another shot to step in with Free hurt, and he sucks again. The guy had some raw talent and speed, but he is no rocket scientist. Listen to his interviews. He was a failed experiment. Sad but True
March 23rd, 2012 at 8:59 am
i wanted him to do good he had his chance multiple times and flopped not a bad guy just doesnt have the tools to be a franchise guy
March 23rd, 2012 at 8:59 am
Once again let me preface this by saying I don’t think he is Payton Manning but tell me how many games did Payton win in his first year with a full preseason of snaps under his belt as the #1 ? The answer is one.
If JJ is is given the opportunity to have a full season under his belt. No question in my mind this kid is a number one.
Rah had no clue what kind of talent he already had . He like the rest of you who criticize JJ have a man crush on Freeman because of his size.
If JJ had a QB rating of 70, with 22 interceptions, 10 loses in a row in his 3rd season. He would have been roasted.
Im not saying he is a HOF’er. I’m saying the kid has more then enough talent and intelligence to be a successful QB in this league.
You had your QB of the future in JJ. You wasted a first round pick on Free.
March 23rd, 2012 at 9:04 am
Hey Capt.Tim
Splash some cold water on your face and wake up.
Free is 0 -10 in last 10 games
Think before you contibute
March 23rd, 2012 at 9:52 am
People do some research before you argue your points please.
12 out of 15 of the greatest Qb’s in the history of this game were 6’3 or shorter.
I no particular order.
Montana , Elway, Warner, Moon, Bradshaw, Unitas, Young, Favre, Fouts, Fran Tark, Staubach,Kelly
Only Brady, Manning and Marino are 6’4 and taller
Schiano’s QB’s at Rutgers the last 3 years were 6’1 and 6’2. (Chas and Nova)
JJ may not be the most articulate interview but that does not mean the kid is not intelligent.
He is a great kid. Hopefully he eventually gets a chance to show that he can be a great QB too. I LOVE this type of underdog.
You may not agree with me but everything I wrote was factual.
Just remember where you read it first.
March 23rd, 2012 at 9:53 am
@Marques….c’mon man. JJ is OK but he has got a long way to go for anyone to call him a starting QB. I think he’ll do fine as a backup and I expect Harbaugh to make good use of him as a change of pace wildcat QB on third downs but he isn’t taking Alex Smith’s spot anytime soon barring injury. I wish him well but I think you are over estimating his talents.
March 23rd, 2012 at 10:14 am
Marques, don’t pay attention to these naysayers. Time is on you side.
To Lion, Capt. Tim and company, I say that Johnson did no worse when he played as starter than Freeman did last year.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not suggesting Johnson is better than Freeman. I think Freeman is destined to be elite.
But I do believe Johnson can be better than Smith…especially under his coach from college.
And as to Johnson loolking confused…I agree with that statement…but there were reasons for it. The kid has had little attention and coaching. The “quarterback genious” Jon Gruden actually sucked with QBs. And then he had Olson.
I wish Johnson the best so long as he isn’t playing against the Bucs. He’s gone into a perfect situation for his future. Home town. Former college coach who knows how best to use him. Contending team. Starting QB who has a history of injury aland has had only one good year.
March 23rd, 2012 at 10:32 am
Refresh my memory BigMacAttack
What exactly did Free do in Wembley last year ?
Let me refresh your memory…
That was the beginning of a TEN GAME LOSING STREAK !!!
Do you really have more faith in Mark Dominik and Rah then Harbaugh ?
Free is already crying about losng Faine. (Built in excuses already for this year maybe ?)
He already admitted at age 23 he weighed in at 260 last year. (Weight issue maybe?)
Free is a good kid I’m sure but he is not as mentally tough as JJ. Not a disciplined as JJ. Not as hungry as JJ.
A little adversity and he really struggled.
Just remember where you read it first.
March 23rd, 2012 at 10:59 am
This debate is insane. JJ looked terrified every time he had to run a legit play that wasn’t a one snap gimmick. Wasn’t ever going to get it done here. Good luck – move on.
March 23rd, 2012 at 11:15 am
The usual DIPS who can’t just wish a man well. Just drag him through the mud as much as possible to try and show what great great football master minds they are. So they think!!!
Good luck JJ.
March 23rd, 2012 at 11:29 am
Wow, I just love all the negative Nostradumbasses on here!
Good luck Josh Johnson!
March 23rd, 2012 at 11:51 am
Marques
“That was the beginning of a TEN GAME LOSING STREAK !!!”
______________________
And the rest of the team had nothing at all to do with it…isn’t that right?
March 23rd, 2012 at 12:39 pm
Pete Dutcher
Your quick to blame JJ for 0-5 but Free takes no accountability of 0-10.
“And the rest of the team had nothing at all to do with it…isn’t that right?”
You can’t have it both ways.
You can’t only Blame JJ for 0-5 with limited snaps.
EVERYONE NEEDED TO STEP UP
Thats my point !!!!
March 23rd, 2012 at 2:49 pm
I watched JJ play all through college and loved him. Not a bucs fan, but I’ve been following them ever since JJ was drafted. In the end it comes down to this….signing with the 49er’s and Harbaugh will be JJ’s best shot to make it as a starting QB. The odds will never be more in his favor, so now its on his shoulders to make it happen and I wish him all the best of luck. I hope to see him tearing it up on the field with Harbaugh just like a did a few years back! None of us can predict how it will turn out, only time will tell….
March 23rd, 2012 at 2:58 pm
Good Luck Josh Johnson, who cares if he becomes all Pro & Passes for 6000 yards he is no longer a member of my team The Tampa Bay Buccaneers! Move on….
March 23rd, 2012 at 3:46 pm
Lmfao- ” JJ will will the SuperBowl!!”
” no, really Reeeeallly!!”
That bitch can’t even win a game!!!
He’s 6′, 190lbs, and scared ta death every time he plays
He’s a nice kid. Making a few Mil as an NFL backup!
I call that a success story- just at that. Good job
Wish him nothing but luck
But”SuperBowl”???
Lmfao
March 23rd, 2012 at 6:48 pm
Capt.Tim
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/josh-johnson?id=264
The truth
March 23rd, 2012 at 7:54 pm
0-5 is the truth. Stop being delusional.
It’s making us all laugh!
JJ had a shot,. He sucked
Where the F^%k were you? Musta been at one of his fan club meetings!
Nobody that watched him, and knows anything about football, would believe he will be anything but the career backup that he is
Damn, I don’t think this guy, or his soulmate, K2, have EVER watched a game!
Think they just try to post here, cause they don’t have any friends!
March 23rd, 2012 at 9:37 pm
Marques, no real sense trying to enlighten you. You know everything already, so good luck with that, and enjoy being a 49’r or 69’r fan or whatever it is they have out there in LaLaLand.
Most people here care about the Bucs more than the sound of their own voice.