Ahead of the 2024 NFL season, the Buffalo Bills are putting a lot of effort into rebuilding their roster. There were many gaps to fill following the Bills’ sudden decision to eliminate several important veterans in order to comply with the cap.
Buffalo did, however, re-sign defensive tackle DaQuan Jones to a $16 million, two-year contract. “Of all the re-signing options, Jones is easily the most important for next season,” Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic wrote about Jones. The absence of a starting option at one technique leaves the defensive tackles room empty.
It was troubling that the Bills hadn’t added a defensive lineman after two weeks of free agency. However, Austin Johnson—a former member of the Los Angeles Chargers—was announced by Buffalo as their backup on Saturday, March 23. Jones made this announcement first.
To which Johnson retorted, “lmao, Mr. Schefter, okay?”
About twenty minutes later, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said, “Sources confirm: Austin Johnson is signing a 1-year deal with Buffalo to play alongside former teammate DaQuan Jones.” It might be valued up to $4 million.
In 2013, Johnson and Jones were Penn State teammates. The Tennessee Titans chose Jones in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. The Titans selected Johnson in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft, two years after he was born. Before Johnson inked a contract with the New York Giants in 2020, they were once again teammates. Johnson got a $14 million, two-year contract with the Chargers two years later.
Johnson sent a confirmation on Instagram Stories that he was going to Buffalo, and he acknowledged Jones. With two laugh-cry emojis, he retweeted the news announcement and said, “And yes, @dqj_90 is the best recruiter out.”
The “Perfect” Backup for Bills DT, according to Austin Johnson DaQuan Jones
Buffalo was disappointed not to sign Arik Armstead, but Bills observers were excited to hear that Johnson would be playing at Orchard Park.
Sal Capaccio of WGR 550 tweeted, “DT was a major concern for the Bills coming into the offseason.” They only have Ed Oliver and Eli Ankou under contract till 2024. Since then, they have added Austin Johnson and re-signed DaQuan Jones. Although there is still work to be done in terms of the data, this looks much better.
He is a DT in a 4-3, but Capaccio pointed out that he can play NT or even DE in a 3-4. He thus offers some flexibility to kick outside should the Bills choose to employ a peculiar front.
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Kevin Siracuse of Built in Buffalo tweeted, “The #Bills are bolstering their defensive line! At 1-tech, Austin Johnson is the ideal DaQuan Jones backup.
Johnson made 25 appearances and started 25 games in the previous two seasons. In all, he totaled 69 tackles, 3 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 1 recovered fumble, and 1 sack.
The 6-foot-4, 314-pound player played in 33 games with the Giants during the course of his two-year contract. In all, the 29-year-old recorded 90 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 2 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.
In 2024, the Bills Defense Will See a Dramatic Change
The Bills parted ways with Leonard Floyd after cutting Jordan Poyer, Siran Neal, and Tre’Davious White. Micah Hyde, the All-Pro safety, still seems to be considering retiring.
The Bills added safety Mike Edwards from the Kansas City Chiefs and re-signed Taylor Rapp to a three-year, $10.6 million contract among the flurry of changes.
Taron Johnson became the highest-paid nickel corner in the NFL when Buffalo extended his contract. Tyrel Dodson signed with the Seattle Seahawks, but the Bills also added linebacker Nicholas Morrow.
