Austin Johnson is signing a 1-year deal with Buffalo to play alongside former teammate DaQuan Jones. The deal is worth up to $4M.”

Buffalo’s recent roster moves have been a hot topic, with defensive tackle DaQuan Jones playing a central role. The Bills, gearing up for the 2024 NFL season, faced the challenge of filling gaps left by the departure of key veterans due to cap constraints. Despite this, they managed to secure Jones with a lucrative two-year, $16 million contract, a move widely hailed as crucial for the team’s defensive lineup. However, concerns arose as the Bills hadn’t signed another defensive tackle even after two weeks of free agency. To alleviate these concerns, Jones himself announced on March 23rd that the Bills had found his backup in Austin Johnson, formerly of the Los Angeles Chargers. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport later confirmed Johnson’s signing on a one-year deal worth up to $4 million, highlighting the reunion of the former Penn State teammates.

Austin Johnson’s impending arrival in Buffalo was met with enthusiasm from Bills analysts, who saw him as an ideal complement to DaQuan Jones. Despite missing out on other potential signings, such as Arik Armstead, the addition of Johnson alongside Jones was seen as a significant improvement for Buffalo’s defensive line. With only Ed Oliver and Eli Ankou initially under contract for the 2024 season, the signings of Jones and Johnson addressed pressing concerns for the team.

Johnson’s versatility and experience were key factors in the Bills’ decision to bring him on board. At 6-foot-4 and 314 pounds, he boasts impressive stats from his time with the New York Giants and the Chargers, making him a valuable asset for Buffalo’s defense. Amidst these roster changes, the Bills also secured other key players like Taylor Rapp and Mike Edwards, while also managing extensions and signings in other positions, including cornerback and linebacker.

Emily Bicks, covering NFL developments for Heavy.com, provided insights into these moves, underlining their significance for teams like the Bills, Seahawks, and Chiefs.