The Buffalo Bills are adding some extra mass to their defensive line, much to the delight of Bills defensive tackle DaQuan Jones.
On Saturday, Jones announced that the Bills are signing former Los Angeles Chargers defensive lineman Austin Johnson. The 29-year-old defensive end was a second-round pick by the Tennessee Titans in the 2016 NFL Draft and was teammates with Jones for four seasons before joining the New York Giants in 2020.
“!!!BREAKING NEWS!!! @BuffaloBills are Signing former Chargers DE @AJohn15 later on today ‘close sources say,’” Jones posted on X.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport confirmed the announcement and posted the compensation numbers. He said that Johnson is signing a one-year deal and in line to make up to $4 million in 2024.
“Sources confirm: Austin Johnson is signing a 1-year deal with Buffalo to play alongside former teammate DaQuan Jones. The deal is worth up to $4M,” Rapoport wrote.
Johnson started 25 games for the Chargers over the past two seasons and started all 17 in 2023. This past year he had 46 tackles, two tackles for loss and one QB hit along with a fumble recovery, a forced fumble and two passes defended.
Johnson had his best season with the New York Giants in 2021. That year he made the switch from nose tackle to defensive end and rewarded the team with a career-high 72 tackles, six tackles for loss, seven QB hits, 3.5 sacks and one pass defended.
If he puts up similar numbers in 2024, the Bills could have a gem on their hands.