Lonnie Johnson being "heavily discussed" in trade talks (or not?)

Is former Kentucky football standout Lonnie Johnson Jr. on the move? Well, it depends on who you ask.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Friday that Johnson was being “heavily discussed” in trade talks and may be headed elsewhere.

“Two Texans players being heavily discussed in league circles as trade candidates, per sources: pass rusher Shaq Lawson and safety Lonnie Johnson,” he said. “Both players are used to prominent playing time but are second on Houston’s depth chart as of now.

It was a report that was met with skepticism among fans and local reporters, highlighted by Sports Illustrated’s Anthony Wood. The TexansDaily reporter followed up with an update of his own Saturday that claims Johnson is not going to be moved. Instead, he will be included in Houston’s final 53-man roster.

“Rumors emerged on Friday that Houston Texans safety Lonnie Johnson had been discussed in league circles as a potential trade target,” Wood wrote. “But an NFL source tells TexansDaily that the team has no intention of trading Johnson as teams prepare to finalize their initial 53-man rosters.”

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Johnson himself denied Fowler’s report on Friday, tweeting that fans shouldn’t “believe everything (they) hear.”

“Don’t believe everything ya hear!!” he responded.

The former Kentucky standout has had a strong preseason, returning an interception for a touchdown to go with one tackle and one pass breakup in 56 defensive snaps.

Texans pick off the Cowboys & take it allllll the way in for 6️⃣! 🤠

(via @HoustonTexans) pic.twitter.com/8aRAbfQbT1
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) August 22, 2021

Through two years in Houston, Johnson has racked up 117 tackles (90 solo), one tackle for loss, and seven pass breakups in 30 total games. He has earned 12 starts, including five in 2020.

Johnson was taken by the Texans with the 54th pick of the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. His selection came after the former Wildcat finished with 64 tackles and one interception in two seasons at Kentucky.