
#98 DT · Indianapolis Colts
1 transaction this offseason
Height
6'4"
Weight
320 lbs
Age
27
College
Missouri State
Draft
2022, Rd 5, #159
Experience
4 yrs
DT Rank
#215 / 218
Grade this player:
| Year | Team | GP | Sacks | Tkl | TFL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | ![]() | 51 | 1.0 | 41 | 5 |
| 2025 | ![]() | 12 | 0.0 | 6 | 1 |
| 2024 | ![]() | 11 | 0.0 | 17 | 2.5 |
| 2023 | ![]() | 14 |
Length
4 years
Total Value
$4.4M
Guaranteed
$400K
AAV
$1.1M/yr
The Colts secured solid value with Eric Johnson II's four-year, $4.4M deal, landing what amounts to a fair contract with modest upside potential that earns a C+ CVI. At just $1.1M per year, Indianapolis is making a calculated bet on an unproven defensive tackle who could develop into a rotation piece without breaking the bank. The minimal guaranteed money ($400K) gives the organization maximum flexibility to cut ties if Johnson doesn't progress, while the low annual value creates negligible cap risk even if he flames out entirely. This contract structure perfectly aligns with how teams should approach developmental interior linemen — paying for potential rather than production while maintaining easy exit ramps. The Colts essentially bought themselves a four-year lottery ticket on Johnson's athletic tools, and even if he plateaus as a depth player, they're not overpaying for replacement-level production at a premium position.
Eric Johnson II earns an F for the Colts at defensive tackle, a player who has been unable to contribute at the NFL level. Johnson has not generated any pass-rush pressure and has been overmatched against the run. Indianapolis needs more from their interior defensive line, and Johnson has not provided anything positive. His rare appearances on the field have been negative, and he has been behind better options in the rotation. The Colts may move on from Johnson if the production does not improve dramatically.
A low-risk depth add that won't move the needle for Minnesota's defensive line. Five headlines covered the signing, largely framing it as a surprise roster move. The strongest signal here is his Colts backup status — he never cracked a meaningful rotation. Fans are mostly indifferent, noting the 320-pound frame as a run-stuffing curiosity at best. Johnson projects as a short-roster bubble player who makes camp competition slightly deeper.
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| 1.0 |
| 15 |
| 1.5 |
| 2022 | ![]() | 14 | 0.0 | 3 | 0 |
Updated Jan 1, 1970
Recent seasons are weighted more heavily in the overall performance grade.
F
2025
(50% weight)
D-
2024
(30% weight)
F
2023
(20% weight)