The Atlanta Falcons added another body to the defensive line mix, signing tackle Eric Johnson II ahead of their second preseason game, the team announced.
Johnson arrives with plenty of size at 6-foot-4 and 340 pounds, but he’s also been on the move since entering the league as a fifth-round pick in 2022. Indianapolis drafted him at No. 159, then moved on from him after two seasons. From there, Johnson spent time with the New England Patriots in 2024 before going back to the Colts in 2025.
His latest stop came with Minnesota. Johnson signed with the Vikings in May, but the team released him earlier this week.
Over four NFL seasons, Johnson has appeared in 51 games without a start. He has 41 tackles, 1.0 sack, three quarterback hits, two tackles for loss and a fumble recovery on his resume. Last season in Minnesota, he played in 12 games and finished with six tackles and one tackle for a loss.
For Atlanta, the move gives the interior of the defensive front some extra depth. It also reunites Johnson with former defensive line coach Nate Ollie, with the two having worked together in Indianapolis in 2022 and 2023.
Johnson now enters a crowded summer competition for a roster spot, joining Marlon Tuipulotu, Anterio Thompson, Carlos Allen Jr. and LaCale London in the fight for jobs.
The Falcons have wrapped up joint practices with the Colts in Indianapolis and will face them again Saturday in their second preseason game of the summer. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 at Lucas Oil Stadium.
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