Austin Johnson

Career StatsC

Year	Team	GP	Sacks	Tkl	TFL
Career		145	9.5	272	18
2025		14	1.0	12	0
2024		15	0.5	19	2.5
2023		17	0.0

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Austin Johnson's $2M deal represents a slight overpay for what amounts to depth insurance at defensive tackle, earning a C- CVI that reflects limited upside at a premium price point for his production tier. The veteran nose tackle has carved out a respectable journeyman career, but his "depth piece" performance level doesn't justify $2M AAV in today's market, where similar rotational interior linemen can be found for $1.2-1.5M annually. At 30 years old, Johnson is past his athletic prime and unlikely to develop into anything more than a situational run-stuffer, making this a fairly predictable investment with minimal growth potential. The contract structure does offer some protection with $1.8M guaranteed on a short-term deal, limiting long-term risk while providing roster flexibility. For whichever team ultimately signs Johnson, this represents the type of safe but uninspiring depth addition that fills a need without moving the needle — adequate veteran presence that likely prevents more cost-effective solutions from emerging through the draft or practice squad development.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the C band — a quick read on where Austin's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Austin Johnson is a nine-year NFL veteran and former third-round pick who has logged 145 career games as a starting and rotational defensive tackle. Now 32 and in free agency, Johnson represents a depth option rather than a starter—a journeyman tackle whose production has declined noticeably over the past two seasons. His current grade of C reflects a player past his prime, averaging 0.07 sacks per game and 0.86 tackles per game, both well below NFL positional averages. Johnson's performance metrics paint a concerning picture for 2025. His sack rate of 0.07 per game sits roughly half the NFL average of 0.14, while his tackle output of 0.86 per game falls significantly short of the 1.82 benchmark. Most troubling is his QB hit production at 0.07 per game versus the positional average of 0.29—a notable gap that suggests diminished ability to disrupt opposing offenses. While his nine-year resume indicates he was once a capable rotation piece, the downward trajectory is undeniable: a D-minus in 2025 and 2024 represents a clear erosion from his D-plus showing in 2023. Johnson's path forward hinges on accepting a backup role with a contending team willing to invest in veteran depth and locker room presence. At 32 with declining production metrics, a return to starter-level snaps seems unlikely unless injuries create opportunity. Teams should view him as a situational contributor and third-string option rather than a solution to interior line needs.

How Austin Compares at the Position

Austin Johnson ranks 105th of 217 graded defensive tackles by performance. That slots Austin between Andrew Billings (C) just ahead and Payton Page (C) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Austin Johnson enters free agency with a B- sentiment grade, reflecting the media's view of him as a steady, dependable rotational piece rather than a marquee signing. The narrative around the nine-year veteran is refreshingly straightforward — he's consistently portrayed as a reliable depth contributor whose 9.5 career sacks and three forced fumbles represent solid production without flashy headlines. Reports linking him to the Giants and questions about Jacksonville's retention plans frame Johnson as the type of seasoned interior lineman that contending teams quietly covet for their rotation. The media tone is notably professional and measured, with coverage focusing on roster construction rather than character concerns or declining performance. Johnson's market perception centers on his durability and positional versatility, suggesting he'll find a home as teams value his ability to contribute immediately without requiring a significant investment. The absence of negative narratives combined with genuine organizational interest positions him as exactly what his grade suggests — an above-average rotational option who won't generate headlines but will help teams win games.