Texans to sign DT Jaleel Johnson after withdrawing P.J. Hall's tender

Jaleel Johnson‘s visit with the Texans has resulted in a deal. The free-agent defensive tackle announced on Twitter that he’s signed with Houston. Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle has confirmed the news.

The former fourth-round pick out of Iowa had spent his entire career with the Vikings, appearing in each of the team’s 48 regular-season games between 2018 and 2020. Following a 2019 campaign that saw Johnson compile a career-high 3.5 sacks, the 26-year-old finished 2020 with 44 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Pro Football Focus wasn’t particularly fond of the lineman’s performance this past season, however, rating him as one of the worst interior defenders.

Despite his underwhelming performance, Johnson should see some playing time in Houston. Holdovers like Ross Blacklock and additions like Maliek Collins didn’t set the world on fire last season, and as Wilson reported earlier on Wednesday, the Texans withdrew their tender on defensive tackle P.J. Hall. The former second-rounder started nine games for the Texans last season.