Get to Know New Latest MN Vikings D-Line Addition
The talk of the town in Eagan on Wednesday was the Minnesota Vikings hosting free agent wide receiver Jauan Jennings, who’s potential addition to the roster would give Kyler Murray arguably the most talented group of wideouts in the NFL.
Unfortunately, Jennings left town without a deal. However, the Vikings were able to sign some depth at a different position of need Wednesday.
After parting ways with both Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, defensive coordinator Brian Flores has been on the hunt for more help in the trenches next to Jalen Redmond, who emerged as the Vikings’ best interior D-lineman in 2025.
Eric Johnson II adds more youth to MN Vikings defensive line
During the draft, they went DT early and often, surprising the football world by selecting Florida monster Caleb Banks with the 18th overall pick, and then doubling down with Domonique Orange out of Iowa State, in the third round (82nd).
And on Wednesday, the Minnesota Vikings picked up another LARGE young talent on the interior, 27-year-old out of Normal, IL — Eric Johnson II, who played last season as a backup for the Indianapolis Colts.
The #Vikings have signed DL Eric Johnson II.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 29, 2026
📰: https://t.co/Y0eDntAtde pic.twitter.com/JlLF6JzGZH
Johnson joins a rotation already stacked with potential, including the aforementioned Redmond, Banks, and Orange — along with Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Levi Drake Rodriguez, and Taki Taimani.
The Missouri State alum played the first two years of his career with the Colts, before landing in New England in 2024. One year with the Patriots was enough.
What can Vikings fans expect from Johnson II
Last offseason, he went back to Indy, where he played his third year with the Colts. During his 12 games last year, back in Indy, Johnson played just 16% of the Colts’ defensive snaps. He finished with six total tackles (one TFL).
Eric Johnson left a couple marks on this play. 💥
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) August 23, 2024
📺 Prime Video / FOX59 pic.twitter.com/RWrACBw6l7
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In fact, Eric Johnson II has recorded just one sack (2023) in his NFL career, among his 15 total tackles and three QB hits. He’s never started a game or played more than a 27% of defensive snaps in any of his four NFL season. Still, you can see in the highlight above why B-Flo is intrighted by this kid.
Making his lot in life even more difficult, when it comes to making the 53-man roster out of training camp, Johnson isn’t really a special teams guy either. We’ll see if he can defy the odds and come out on top of defensive line group that is suddenly exploding with young talent.
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