The Chargers just keep making the right moves.
According to NFL insider Jan Rapoport, the Chargers are expected to sign 27-year-old guard Austin Johnson after free agency begins on Wednesday. The signing came at one of the team’s most important positions this off-season, bringing together their passing efforts (Khalil Mak) and their minors (JC Jackson).
Johnson, a former second-round pick by Penn State in 2016, was most recently with the Giants for two seasons (2020-2021). In 17 starts for New York last year, Johnson posted high marks across the board: 72 tackles, six tackles for loss, seven quarterback bats and 3.5 sacks.
Johnson played 13 games for the Titans from 2016 to 2020, playing mostly in a rotational role.
At 6ft 4ft and 314lbs, Johnson is great for the role with three techniques in Brandon Staley’s 3-4 defense as a powerful defender who can help close running lanes and hold the point of attack.
It’s the type of cheap but valuable Chargers signing I was hoping for defensively. I’m sure most fans are fully tuned in to a team trying to get someone like Georgia’s Jordan Davis in this year’s draft, but being able to add someone with a fairly low price tag and enough potential to potentially outbid his contract will go a long way. .
I am a big fan of this signing. Do you agree? Let me know in the comments below how you all feel!