The Arizona Cardinals have been very active during NFL Free Agency in the defensive line category, and there is potential that yet another addition is on the horizon.
According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, former Los Angeles Chargers DL Austin Johnson will be meeting with Arizona today.
“After visiting Buffalo, Chargers free-agent DE Austin Johnson is visiting today with the Arizona Cardinals,” Schefter said.
The 6-foot-4, 314-pounder was originally a second-round (43rd overall) pick by the Tennessee Titans in the 2016 NFL Draft.
For four seasons (2016-19), Johnson played 58 games (13 starts) and began his career as a nose tackle. During his time with Tennessee, he totaled 83 tackles, 2.5 sacks and defended five passes.
Becoming a free agent for the first time, Johnson elected to sign with the New York Giants in 2020. Though the first season he didn’t start, Johnson started all 17 games in 2021.
Adopting yet another position, the New Jersey native switched over to a defensive end in 2021. As a Giant, he grabbed 90 tackles, 4.5 sacks and forced a fumble.
From the East Coast to the West Coast, Johnson has most recently been with the Chargers for the past two seasons. Once again, he swapped roles to both left defensive tackle and defensive lineman on Los Angeles.
He would start all 25 games he appeared in with LA, missing nine due to a knee injury in 2022. Johnson had 60 tackles and a sack.
Since he is meeting with multiple teams, there is no guarantee that Johnson will sign with Arizona. On Monday, DL Jonah Williams reportedly had a visit with the Cardinals before ultimately signing with the Minnesota Vikings.
If he does join, Arizona would have added him, Khyiris Tonga, Bilal Nichols and Justin Jones while L.J. Collier also re-signed. Returning next season, the Cards will bring back Phil Hoskins, Ben Stille, Roy Lopez, Dante Stills and Naquan Jones.
As of right now, Jonathan Ledbetter is currently unsigned. Leki Fotu departed for the Cardinals, signing with the New York Jets.
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