The Buffalo Bills are working hard to rebuild their roster for the 2024 NFL season. The Bills had a lot of holes to fill after quickly cutting several important veterans to become cap-compliant.
However, Buffalo did re-sign defensive tackle DaQuan Jones to a two-year, $16 million deal. According to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic, Jones is “clearly the most important re-signing option” for next season. The defensive tackles room is empty without a starting option in one technique.”
After two weeks of free agency, the Bills had yet to add another defensive lineman, which was alarming. However, on Saturday, March 23, Jones was the first to report that Buffalo had found a backup in Austin Johnson, previously of the Los Angeles Chargers.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport posted about 20 minutes later, “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.”
Johnson and Jones were teammates at Penn State in 2013. During the 2014 NFL draft, Jones was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the fourth round. Two years later, the Titans drafted Johnson in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft. They were reunited as teammates until Johnson signed with the New York Giants in 2020. Two years later, Johnson signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Chargers.
Johnson confirmed he was heading to Buffalo on his Instagram Stories and gave Jones a shout-out. He reposted the news announcement and wrote, “And yes @dqj_90 is the best recruiter out” with two laugh-cry emojis.
Austin Johnson was Called the ‘Perfect’ Backup for Bills DT DaQuan Jones.
While Buffalo missed out on signing Arik Armstead, Bills analysts were thrilled to learn the Johnson was heading to Orchard Park.
WGR 550’s Sal Capaccio posted, “DT was a huge concern for the Bills heading into the offseason. The only players they had under contract for 2024 were Ed Oliver and Eli Ankou. They’ve since re-signed DaQuan Jones and signed Austin Johnson. Still work to be done as far as numbers, but this looks so much better.”
DT Austin Johnson summary report:
A mammoth defensive tackle whose #1 comp is DaQuan Jones, showcasing remarkable flexibility across the defensive front, adept at playing as a nose tackle, 3-technique defensive tackle, or even defensive end in odd front formations. Demonstrates…
Capaccio noted, “He can play NT or even DE in a 3-4, but is a DT in a 4-3. So he gives some versatility to kick outside if the Bills want to run an odd front.”
Built in Buffalo’s Kevin Siracuse posted, “The #Bills are beefing up their defensive line! Austin Johnson is the perfect backup for DaQuan Jones at 1-tech.”
Over the past two seasons, Johnson appeared in and started 25 games. He recorded 69 total tackles, 3 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 sack.
During the 6-foot-4 314-pounder’s two-year tenure with the Giants, he appeared in 33 games and made 17 starts. The 29-year-old registered 90 total tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 2 passes defensed, and 4.5 sacks.
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