The Las Vegas Raiders have added a new weapon to their receiving corps, signing former Texas Longhorn standout on Thursday. While the exact terms of the deal have not been disclosed, he brings a valuable blend of size, experience, and potential to the Raiders’ offense.
NFL Journey So Far
He entered the NFL as a fifth-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2020 NFL Draft after a standout collegiate career. Since then, he’s played for multiple teams, including the Jaguars, New York Giants, and most recently, the Chicago Bears. His longest NFL stint came in Chicago, where he spent the last two seasons, though his playing time remained limited.
Over the course of 38 career games, he has recorded 31 receptions for 394 yards and two touchdowns—both scored during his rookie campaign. He’s averaged an impressive 12.7 yards per catch during his time in the league. Now, with the Raiders, he has an opportunity to carve out a more consistent role and re-establish himself as a contributor in the passing game.
College Success at Texas
Before his professional career, he was a standout receiver at the University of Texas. Over four seasons with the Longhorns, he amassed 188 receptions for 2,624 yards and seven touchdowns. He became a key target in the offense and earned several accolades during his time in Austin.
When he left Texas, Collin Johnson ranked sixth in school history for receptions and fifth for receiving yards—milestones that made him an attractive option for NFL teams seeking size and production at the wide receiver position. The Raiders are now hoping to tap into that same potential as he begins this new chapter.
How He Fits into the Raiders’ Offensive Plan
While Johnson isn’t expected to be the focal point of the Raiders’ offense, he could serve as a dependable secondary option behind emerging star Brock Bowers. The Raiders offense is undergoing a transformation, and Johnson’s size and route-running ability could make him a useful asset in key situations, particularly in red-zone scenarios or on third downs.
A Fresh Start in Las Vegas
This signing represents the kind of opportunity Johnson has been seeking for the past few seasons. After appearing in just 12 games with limited targets for the Bears, he’ll now join a Raiders team in flux—offering a fresh chance to showcase his talent and find a more stable role in the league.
With Johnson donning the silver and black, fans of the Texas Longhorns will have a renewed reason to check in on Raiders games this season. If he can recapture the form that made him one of the top receivers in Texas history, Johnson could be a surprise contributor in Las Vegas.
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