Ravens Sign Ex-Browns RB as Insurance Behind Derrick Henry

Baltimore, MD – August 3, 2025

Sometimes it’s not about headlines — it’s about insurance. Depth. Grit. A quiet move that won’t trend on Twitter, but might matter when it’s 3rd-and-2 in January and your starters are limping. That’s what the Ravens just bought.

While most eyes stayed glued to Tyler Loop’s kicker battle and Andrew Vorhees’ rise at left guard, Baltimore quietly signed a veteran who’s been through the storm: D’Ernest Johnson.

No, he’s not Derrick Henry. He’s not here to carry the load or steal snaps from Justice Hill. But if there’s one thing Ravens football teaches, it’s this — the season is long, and depth isn’t a luxury. It’s survival.

D’Ernest Johnson isn’t new to the grind. He broke out in Cleveland when no one knew his name, rushing for 534 yards in 2021 when injuries forced him into the spotlight. He didn’t flinch. He ran like every carry could be his last. That’s the kind of back Baltimore loves — tough, smart, no ego. Just yards.

Last year with Jacksonville, Johnson played in a crowded backfield, still managing 251 rushing yards in a limited role. He’s not flashy. But he’s dependable. And that might be all the Ravens need him to be.

This move doesn’t shake up the depth chart — Derrick Henry remains the hammer, with Hill, Keaton Mitchell, and Rasheen Ali battling behind him. But if Mitchell’s recovery stalls or Ali isn’t ready for prime time, Johnson gives Baltimore a veteran who’s seen the field, taken hits, and never backed down.

The Ravens didn’t sign him to make noise. They signed him because in December, when everything’s bruised and the margin for error vanishes, having a back who doesn’t blink matters.

This isn’t about hype. It’s about being ready when your number’s called.

Stay tuned to ESPN.