DaQuan Jones, NFL insider? Buffalo Bills DT breaks news, says team is adding DT to roster
In addition to being a difference-maker at defensive lineman, DaQuan Jones appears to be an NFL insider.
The Buffalo Bills defensive tackle announced on Twitter/X on Saturday that the team would add fellow defensive tackle Austin Johnson to the roster later today.
Johnson even responded to Jones’ initial tweet with, “Alright, Mr. Schefter lmao.”
The rumored move comes only days after Jones revealed his wish for Johnson to sign with the Bills. Jones remarked on social media, “Whoa Austin Johnson is a hell of a player and would look great in a Bills uniform.”
Jones would surely know, considering the two were Penn State teammates in 2013 and then NFL teammates. Johnson’s first season with the Nittany Lions coincided with Jones’ final one. Johnson would have three sacks as a freshman and 21 more over the next two seasons.
!!!BREAKING NEWS!!! @BuffaloBills are Signing former Chargers DE @AJohn15 later on today “close sources say”
— DaQuan Jones (@RiDQulous_98) March 23, 2024
Following a successful career at Penn State, the Tennessee Titans selected Johnson in the second round (No. 43 overall). From 2016 to 2019, Johnson and Jones were Titans teammates. Johnson would leave Tennessee in 2020 and play the next two seasons for the New York Giants. Johnson most recently played for the Los Angeles Chargers.
Johnson and Jones appear to be getting back together after a few years apart. That is, of course, provided Jones’ “sources” are reliable.
Bills Sign DT Austin Johnson
The Bills have been forced to fix their defensive line throughout the first few weeks of free agency. Following Ed Oliver, the team’s next four leading snap-getters on the interior became free agents. After a pair of departures, former Chargers defensive tackle Austin Johnson will provide depth and starting experience, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Fowler also confirms that Johnson’s one-year contract will be for $3.5 million and worth up to $4 million.
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Johnson, an eight-year veteran, previously played for the Titans and Giants before joining the Chargers. Johnson spent his first few years as a backup to starters like Al Woods and Sylvester Williams after Tennessee selected him in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft from Penn State. Johnson began to get increased playing time in his third season with Jurrell Casey and DaQuan Jones, one of Buffalo’s free agents this summer who re-signed on the second day of free agency.
Source: DT Austin Johnson plans to sign with the #Bills on a one-year deal.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 23, 2024
When Johnson signed with New York, he returned to reserve duty, filling in for Dalvin Tomlinson and Leonard Williams. When Tomlinson went for Minnesota, Johnson assumed full-time starting duties for the first time in his career. He would use his starting experience to secure a two-year, $14 million contract with the Chargers, though his first season in Los Angeles would see him spend the final nine games on injured reserve due to a knee ailment.
Adding to the offensive line.
We’ve signed Will Clapp to a one-year deal! 👏 #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/lkxImwAUQb
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) March 22, 2024
Johnson returned in 2023 as a full-time starter, but had his worst season in the NFL, ranking 118th out of 130 graded interior defenders. While Johnson has never been considered elite by PFF, his 2023 season was by far his weakest. The Bills will expect to get greater output from him as they reunite him on the line with Jones, possibly with the idea of putting him back in rotation.
Buffalo still has work to do to complete their defensive line. They’ll bring back Oliver and Jones, plus they’ve signed Eli Ankou to a reserve/futures contract. Meanwhile, Tim Settle left for Houston in free agency, and Poona Ford will replace Johnson on the Chargers’ defensive line. Jordan Phillips and Linval Joseph, last year’s experienced tackles, are both still free agents. The Bills may decide to return one or both to add depth to the line, though late-round rookies may be less expensive.