Jaguars' Antonio Johnson Cements His Status As Rising Star

The Jacksonville Jaguars' safety just had a true breakout season under Anthony Campanile and his staff, and he could take another step next season.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 1:31pm

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Antonio Johnson, the Jacksonville Jaguars' third-year safety, had a breakout season in 2025, earning a spot on Pro Football Focus' top-101 players list. After being thrust into a starting role due to injuries, Johnson became a key playmaker for the Jaguars' defense, recording five interceptions and three pass breakups. He and teammate Devin Lloyd led the team with over 100 interception return yards each, making the Jaguars one of only five teams with multiple pick-sixes in 2025.

Why it matters

Johnson's emergence as a top safety in the league is a positive sign for the Jaguars, who have some questions to answer at the position heading into the 2026 season. With starting safety Andrew Wingard set to be a free agent and third-round 2025 draft pick Caleb Ransaw set to make his debut, Johnson's strong performance has solidified his role on the team and could lead to a new contract.

The details

After being a backup to start the 2025 season, Johnson was thrust into a starting role due to injuries and became a key playmaker for the Jaguars' defense. He finished the season with five interceptions and three pass breakups, earning a spot on Pro Football Focus' top-101 players list at No. 53. Johnson and teammate Devin Lloyd led the team with over 100 interception return yards each, making the Jaguars one of only five teams with multiple pick-sixes in 2025.

  • In 2025, Johnson had a breakout season for the Jaguars.

The players

Antonio Johnson

A third-year safety for the Jacksonville Jaguars who had a breakout season in 2025, earning a spot on Pro Football Focus' top-101 players list.

Anthony Campanile

The defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025.

Devin Lloyd

A linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars who led the team with five interceptions, tied for the second most in the league, in 2025.

Andrew Wingard

A starting safety for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025 who is set to be a free agent in 2026.

Caleb Ransaw

A third-round draft pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025 who missed his entire rookie season and is set to make his debut in 2026.

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The takeaway

Antonio Johnson's breakout season in 2025 has solidified his status as a rising star for the Jacksonville Jaguars. His strong performance, which included leading all safeties with an 86.9 PFF overall grade and recording five interceptions and three pass breakups, has earned him a spot on Pro Football Focus' top-101 players list. With the Jaguars facing questions at the safety position heading into 2026, Johnson's emergence has made him a key piece of the team's defense going forward.