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Steelers Add Another Memphis Alum, Sign Ballhawking Safety
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to signed safety Quindell Johnson, per his agency, Universal Sports Management.
Johnson is a 6-foot, 208-pound safety out of Memphis in his third professional season. He was most recently with the San Francisco 49ers, but was waived on May 13.
The 25-year-old former undrafted free agent first joined the Los Angeles Rams in 2023, but was released during final roster cuts. He was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Bears and played nine games during his rookie season in Chicago.
He played 35 snaps of defense, playing both in the box and as a free safety. He also played 106 snaps of defense. In total, Johnson recorded three tackles and intercepted Blaine Gabbert in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Last summer, Johnson was again waived coming out of training camp. He spent the entire 2024 season on the Los Angeles Rams practice squad, but did not appear in a game. He was released by the Rams on Jan. 7 and signed with the 49ers on Jan. 21 before being cut after the draft.
A New Orleans native, Johnson joined Memphis in 2018 and spent five seasons with the Tigers. He redshirted as a true freshman and started four games in 2019 before becoming a three-year starter.
In 2021, Johnson had 105 tackles, and he followed that up with an AAC-leading four interceptions in 2022. He was a three-time All-AAC selection.
In pre-draft testing, Johnson ran a 4.53-second 40-yard dash, and posted a 4.24-second shuttle run, but had a below-average 32.5-inch vertical for an overall Relative Athletic Score of 7.24.
His signing continues the Steelers strong trend of signing players with Memphis area connections lately. He joins Calvin Austin III, Kenneth Gainwell and Roc Taylor as Memphis alumni. Cornerback Brandin Echols is also a Memphis native.
The Steelers do not currently have an open roster spot, though they will be able to place tight end Donald Parham on injured reserve after his season-ending injury on Tuesday.