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KC Chiefs: Five interior defensive line options in free agency

By Jacob Milham

Oct 24, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebacker Troy Reeder (51), defensive end Aaron Donald (99), Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day (69) and Los Angeles Rams safety Jordan Fuller (4) during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebacker Troy Reeder (51), defensive end Aaron Donald (99), Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day (69) and Los Angeles Rams safety Jordan Fuller (4) during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass as New York Giants nose tackle Austin Johnson (98) defends during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass as New York Giants nose tackle Austin Johnson (98) defends during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Giants: Austin Johnson

The list stays on the East Coast, with New York Giants’ Austin Johnson. The 43rd overall selection ins the 2016 NFL Draft, Johnson joined New York on a one-year, $3 million deal in 2020. He lasted all four years with his original team, the Tennessee Titans. Johnson is a durable, experienced veteran, having not missed a single game since his rookie year.

Johnson has primarily been a reserve during that 81-game span, logging 30 starts. He started every 2021 game for the Giants, alongside defensive tackle Leonard Williams. Johnson recorded 72 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery. He also had six tackles for loss, seven quarterback hits, and one pass deflected. Like others on this list, Johnson posted career-highs in several statistical categories.

Johnson only trailed Williams in several categories, such as sacks and tackles. Both players had similar game day impacts, despite their contractual differences.

Johnson exhibits good pass-rush tendencies, and the ability to keep pressuring the quarterback from the interior. Pairing him with Chris Jones and a wide defensive end would be a good combination. Johnson recorded 11 quarterback pressures in 2021, more than Kansas City’s Tershawn Wharton, Derrick Nnadi, and Khalen Saunders.

What brings Johnson’s value down is his ability to defend the run. The Giants’ defense finished in the league’s bottom half for rushing attempts, yards, and yards per attempt. While Johnson is not solely responsible for that, he did not do much to help. Watching some limited film, Johnson has often been overpowered at the point of attack, by pulling blockers or double teams. It is a noted weakness but can be outweighed by his pass-rushing potential.

If general manager Brett Veach wanted to prioritize pressuring the quarterback, Johnson should earn a look. He will likely not return to New York, with their abysmal cap situation. Likewise, he should be available for little commitment, something that should entice Veach.

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