Nov 5, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich and Indianapolis Colts defensive deal with Eric Johnson II (93) embrace after the second half at Financial institution of America Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports activities
Somebody throughout the Minnesota Vikings group checked out one other man not too long ago and mentioned, “You know what? We need a bunch of defensive tackles.” Interim normal supervisor Rob Brzezinski signed veteran DT Eric Johnson on Wednesday, the fourth new inside defensive lineman within the final 5 days.
Minnesota continues to tweak its defensive position after the draft, this time with a 320-pound veteran flier.
Johnson could not have an excessive amount of of an influence on the 2026 common season, however he’s in the home for the summer season nonetheless.
Brian Flores Will get One other iDL Possibility
Get to know Johnson.
Eric Johnson II (98) stands close to the sideline throughout warmups, scanning the sector earlier than kickoff as Indianapolis ready for a highway matchup, Dec. 7, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville. The defensive deal with’s presence added depth to the inside line rotation in a late-season AFC contest. Necessary Credit score: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Photos.
Johnson to MIN
Nobody a lot anticipated a DT signing proper after the draft, however right here we’re. Vikings.com’s Lindsey Younger wrote, “The Vikings are continuing to add pieces to their defensive line. Minnesota has signed free agent defensive tackle Eric Johnson II, the team announced Wednesday. Originally a fifth-round selection by Indianapolis in the 2022 NFL Draft, Johnson spent his first two pro seasons with the Colts, a stint with the Patriots in 2024 and then rejoined the Colts for the 2025 campaign.”
“He played in 12 games last season and recorded six tackles, including one for loss. Johnson was on the field for 131 defensive snaps and 16 special teams snaps. Johnson’s most productive season occurred in 2023, when he had 15 tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss.”
From an April standpoint, Johnson tasks as a roster bubble man. He’ll must battle for an everyday season roster spot at coaching camp.
Johnson’s Background
Johnson is 27, drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in Spherical 5 4 years in the past. He’s 6’4″ and 320 kilos. The Missouri State alumnus has performed in 51 profession video games since 2022, beginning none, and has logged 41 complete tackles, with 3 QB hits, 2 tackles for loss, and a sack. He’s the very definition of a depth defensive deal with.
Right here’s his PFF resume, together with snap counts per season:
2025: 47.6 (131 snaps)
2024: 54.2 (178 snaps)
2023: 30.5 (265 snaps)
2022: 47.4 (47.4 snaps)
And his NFL menu up to now:
Indianapolis Colts (2022–2023)
New England Patriots (2024)
Indianapolis Colts (2025)
Minnesota Vikings (2026-now)
Johnson is healthier at speeding the passer than stopping the run, although he’s actually not a pass-rush savant.
The Viking Age‘s Adam Patrick on the Johnson addition: “While the dust is still settling from the 2026 NFL Draft, the Vikings announced on Wednesday that the team has signed free-agent defensive lineman Eric Johnson II. Johnson isn’t someone who had been on anyone’s radar before signing with Minnesota, and rightfully so, since he only has 41 career tackles since entering the league back in 2022.”
“For whatever reason, though, Johnson just hasn’t been able to use his size and athleticism to earn a more consistent role with a team during his pro career. The chances of this happening for him in Minnesota don’t seem high, especially after they just added Caleb Banks and Dominique Orange in this year’s NFL Draft. But perhaps the Vikings’ coaching staff can help him perform at a level he hasn’t been able to reach yet since entering the league.”
The New Load of DTs
One offseason shock for the Vikings? After releasing Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, the DT place turned a sudden precedence and a youth motion. Dropping Hargrave and Allen final month didn’t imply that defensive coordinator Brian Flores was content material together with his younger depth defenders; he simply needed completely different ones.
Eric Johnson II (98) walks off the sector following a tricky house loss, exhibiting seen frustration as Indianapolis dropped a late-season matchup, Dec. 22, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The defensive lineman was a part of a unit that struggled to gradual San Francisco’s offense all through the competition. Necessary Credit score: Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Community by way of Imagn Photos.
Right here’s the complete DT room getting into Might:
Jalen Redmond
Caleb Banks
Domonique Orange
Levi Drake Rodriguez
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
Elijah Williams
Taki Taimani
Eric Johnson
Monkell Goodwine
Subsequent to Redmond, a headliner by now of the Vikings’ protection, Banks and Orange entered the combo as rookies final week from the draft.
All of the FA Additions since March
Imagine it or not, the 2026 offseason has been unusually quiet for the Vikings in including new veterans from free company. The membership used the previous couple of months to reset the wage cap, refusing to place the invoice on the 2027 or 2028 ledger. Due to this fact, when subsequent offseason rolls round, Minnesota could have extra flexibility.
Eric Johnson II (93) exits the sector after an additional time defeat, with gamers dispersing towards the locker room following a hard-fought battle, Oct. 1, 2023, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Colts fell quick in opposition to the Rams regardless of prolonged play, ending a tightly contested recreation in entrance of the house crowd. Necessary Credit score: Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Community.
Right here’s the haul of newcomer vets for the reason that begin of March:
Johnny Hekker (P)
Eric Johnson (DT)
Kyler Murray (QB)
James Pierre (CB)
Ryan Van Demark (OT)
That checklist could develop into the spring and summer season, and actually, some anticipate the Vikings to signal large receiver Jauan Jennings someday this week after he met with the membership in Eagan.
Johnson will flip 28 in July. He performed alongside former Vikings protection Camryn Bynum and Mekhi Blackmon final yr in Indianapolis.
