If you thought the New York Giants and general manager Dave Gettleman were asleep at the wheel as the NFL’s “legal tampering” period opened on Monday, think again.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports that the Giants have gotten onto the board with the re-signing of defensive tackle Austin Johnson.
Giants are re-signing DT Austin Johnson, source said.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) March 15, 2021
The 26-year-old Johnson was originally selected by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft. He spent the first four seasons of his career in Tennessee before signing a free agent contract with the Giants last year.
In 16 games with the Giants, Johnson recorded 18 tackles (two for a loss), one forced fumble, one pass defensed and one sack. His 231 snaps were 21 percent of the team’s defensive total.
Pro Football Focus gave Johnson an overall grade of 66.9 in 2020, which included a run defense grade of 63.0 and a pass rush grade of 60.4.
Johnson, 6-foot-4 and 314 pounds, has been credited with 101 tackles and 3.5 sacks over 74 career games (13 starts).
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