Not only did the Rams decide to cut seventh-round linebacker Clay Johnston, but they won’t be retaining him on their practice squad, either. Johnston cleared waivers, making him available to the Rams again as a practice squad candidate. Rather than re-signing with the Rams, however, Johnston is joining the Panthers practice squad, according to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic.
As Rodrigue reported, Johnston’s dad, Kent, is the head of Carolina’s strength program. So the two will get to remain close, rather than being across the country.
Additionally, Johnston’s college coach at Baylor, Matt Rhule, is now the head coach of the Panthers, and he brought along with him several assistant from Baylor. That level of familiarity likely made the Panthers the best option for Johnston.
Los Angeles drafted Johnston in the seventh round this year. He was coming off a torn ACL suffered in October, but is close to completely healthy, if not 100% already.
The Rams had a similar situation play out last year with inside linebacker Dakota Allen. Los Angeles cut the seventh-rounder but was able to sign him to the practice squad. However, the Raiders signed him to their 53-man roster from the Rams’ practice squad.
Los Angeles signed him back to its practice squad after he was waived by Oakland, but wound up with Jacksonville in December.