Buffalo Bills Sign Former 2nd-Round Pick, Veteran For Defensive Line

Fortunately for the Bills, they were able to keep DaQuan Jones for the 2024 season. On Thursday morning, they added defensive tackle DeShawn Williams. The team continued to build the trenches Thursday morning when they added another player.

Austin Johnson signed with the Bills

According to a statement by the Bills, the team signed Tennessee Titans 2016 second-round pick Austin Johnson to a one-year deal. Per the Bills website, Johnson has the flexibility to play multiple positions on the defensive line. Bills general manager Brandon Beane said the team is excited for Johnson to reunite with his former Penn State teammate, Jones:

The former second-round pick has eight career sacks and has played both on the interior and exterior of the defensive line. General manager Brandon Beane said that he thinks Johnson could have a similar breakthrough season as Jones did in his first year in Buffalo.

“I think even DaQuan, you’ve seen in our system improve his pass rush, and we do think Austin can kind of follow that same trajectory,” Beane said. “Brought him in for a visit. Great young man. You know, he talked about the importance of a winning culture, winning team, and obviously DaQuan was helping sell, you know, our situation.”

Johnson will provide depth for the Bills

Johnson recently played for the Los Angeles Chargers for the 2022-23 seasons. He earned a 45.7 grade from Pro Football Focus for his play last season. He recorded 16 tackles and was credited with hurrying the quarterback 15 times in the 2023 season.

The 29-year-old has made 55 starts in the league. In his eight-year NFL career, he’s recorded 241 tackles, eight sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. Johnson isn’t expected to be a starter, but he can provide depth for the Bills in the 2024 campaign.