It’s a very proud moment for a head coach when a kid shapes up to be a deserving athlete with a shiny contract as he steps onto his pro level. That’s the exact feeling Jim Harbaugh, the former Michigan coach, is feeling. This cornerback, who played under Harbaugh at Michigan, is a prime example of that success story. Hailing from Detroit and standing 6’2”, he was a standout from the start. He committed to Michigan as a five-star recruit with a strong reputation even before hitting the college gridiron. In his final season in 2024, Will Johnson continued to impress. He notched 45 tackles (31 solo), including 3.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and an interception out of 12 pass breakups.

Overall, Johnson ended the season with 14 total tackles, 2 interceptions, and 3 passes defended. But the highlight of his college career came in 2023 when he helped lead the Michigan Wolverines to a thrilling national championship victory over Washington. It was Michigan’s first national title since 1997, capping off a perfect 15-0 season. And Will? He was named the Defensive MVP of that College Football Playoff National Championship game. After all this, Johnson can finally take a sigh of relief. After weeks of negotiation drama, Will Johnson finally put pen to paper on his rookie deal with the Arizona Cardinals, signing a four-year contract worth about $9.4 million.

The deal, which carries an average annual value of roughly $2.35 million, came just in time as the Cardinals prepared to kick off training camp. This signing marked the end of a tense waiting game. Johnson was one of the last high-profile 2025 draft picks to ink his contract. The Cardinals are counting on Johnson to help fill the void left by the loss of veteran corner Sean Murphy-Bunting. Bunting is out for the entire season following knee surgery. But Johnson’s size (6’2”), versatility, and playmaking ability make him a prime candidate to compete for valuable playing time in a cornerback room brimming with young talent.

That includes fellow rookies like Denzel Burke, Elijah Jones, and Garrett Williams. Despite missing time due to injury in his final college season. Johnson maintained his reputation as a highly skilled cover corner with the potential to develop into a shutdown defender at the NFL level. The Cardinals see his upside as a valuable investment in their rebuilding effort. With this contract signed just days before camp opened, the stage is set for Johnson to transition from Michigan standout to pro contender.

How a promising season cut short impacted Will Johnson’s NFL future

Will Johnson was once pegged as the top cornerback prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, with some projecting him as a potential top-10 pick or even higher. But come draft night, the Michigan star saw his stock tumble dramatically, dropping out of the first round altogether. So, what happened? Injuries, especially a nagging knee issue, and questions about his long-term durability made NFL teams wary. Johnson’s junior season in 2024 was rough. He only played in six games because of a toe injury that kept him sidelined for some of Michigan’s biggest matchups. That was against powerhouses like Oregon, Ohio State, and Alabama.

On top of that, he battled shoulder problems and later suffered from a hamstring injury that forced him to miss Michigan’s Pro Day. It is a critical showcase for draft hopefuls. While the toe and shoulder issues were serious, the major red flag turned out to be the knee surgery. That emerged during his combine testing and private workouts. Reports surfaced that teams flagged this knee issue, not because it would immediately limit him, but because it raised concerns about his longevity.

This knee issue, combined with Johnson skipping the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and running a slower-than-expected time (around 4.6 seconds) at his private workout, seemed to deepen the worries. ESPN insider Adam Schefter revealed that this knee concern was a key reason why multiple teams passed on Johnson during the first round. Even when franchises with cornerback needs, like Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers, the Lions, and the Packers, had opportunities to select him. Ultimately, Johnson’s slide came down to NFL teams playing it safe.