Austin Johnson

Career StatsF

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.

Performance Analysis

Austin Johnson earns an F as a free agent defensive tackle, a veteran whose production has dried up to the point where teams have not come calling. Johnson was once a serviceable run-stuffer who could eat blocks and hold his gap, but that ability has declined significantly. His lack of pass-rush contribution means he offers nothing as a three-down player. The market has been unkind, which reflects how NFL front offices view his remaining value. Johnson had a decent career run, but the numbers suggest he has reached the end of the road as a viable NFL contributor.