Detroit Lions sign center Wesley Johnson

The Detroit Lions announced on Thursday morning that they have signed interior offensive lineman Wesley Johnson:

Johnson has spent the last four season with the New York Jets after being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fifth round of the 2014 draft. Last season, Johnson started 15 games as the Jets’ center, after the team decided to move on from veteran Nick Mangold.

Unfortunately, after a promising end to the 2016 season as an injury replacement, Johnson struggled mightily as a full-time starter last year. According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson was the worst center among 35 qualifying players. In total, he allowed a whopping 23 pressured on 518 pass-blocking snaps, or about one pressure every 22 passing plays.

Johnson’s best attribute is his versatility, as he can play both center and guard. He joins Kenny Wiggins as another free agent addition with starting experience who can compete for a starting job at either guard or center, depending on what the Lions want to do with Graham Glasgow. At age 27, there is still some hope that Johnson’s best football is ahead of him, but his 2017 season really casts some doubt on his true talent level.