Josh Johnson’s long relationship with Mike LaFleur answers the question of why the Cardinals trust the veteran QB

For Mike LaFleur, the appeal of Josh Johnson is not about a one-week audition. It is about repeated familiarity, dating back to Johnson’s work in systems LaFleur led in earlier stops around the NFL.

Arizona’s official team story traces that trust to the early stages of their connection. In 2020, when LaFleur was coaching in San Francisco and the 49ers needed depth behind C.J. Beathard, Johnson had already been in LaFleur’s orbit. Johnson was on the practice squad at the time, and the plan included elevating him when the situation required it.

That particular 49ers moment did not play out as intended, according to the Cardinals’ account. Johnson tested positive for COVID-19 and missed the game, and San Francisco instead used a different quarterback option for that Cardinals matchup.

The relationship continued the next season, during LaFleur’s time with the New York Jets. Johnson was again in the practice-squad mix, and the Cardinals’ team story notes that in the middle of adversity at quarterback, Johnson was called on against the Colts and delivered a strong relief performance.

By the time Johnson arrived back with LaFleur in Arizona, the coach saw what he wanted in a backup: operational comfort across cadences, plus the readiness to perform if called on. LaFleur’s comments in the Cardinals’ release emphasize that Johnson “knows” him and understands how to translate what the staff expects into game-time execution.

In this current role, Johnson is positioned as the veteran behind rookie Carson Beck. The Cardinals’ release frames his job as both preparation and mentorship, with Johnson describing gratitude for LaFleur recognizing his preparation and past ability to step in during previous team QB crises.