Vikings sign Colts backup free agent defensive tackle

TL;DR

The Minnesota Vikings have signed free agent defensive tackle Eric Johnson II from the Indianapolis Colts. Johnson, a 2022 fifth-round pick, has played 51 career games, recording 41 tackles and one sack.

Key points

Minnesota Vikings signed Eric Johnson II from Indianapolis Colts
Johnson was a 2022 fifth-round pick
He recorded 41 tackles and 1 sack in 51 career games
Johnson previously played for the New England Patriots
He contributed to 16% of the Colts' defensive snaps last season

Minnesota VikingsIndianapolis ColtsNew England PatriotsEric Johnson II

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 22: Indianapolis Colts Defensive Tackle Eric Johnson II (98) walks off the field at the conclusion of the NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Indianapolis Colts on December 22, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images On Wednesday, the Minnesota Vikings announced that they signed Indianapolis Colts free agent defensive tackle Eric Johnson II, who was an unrestricted free agent, and will not count toward compensatory draft pick consideration: Originally a 2022 5th round pick of the Colts, the 27-year-old defensive tackle appeared in 51 career games for Indianapolis, recording 41 tackles (13 solo), 2 tackles for loss, a sack, and a fumble recovery. He appeared in 12 games last year for the Colts, recording 6 tackles (4 solo). Johnson did spend one season with the New England Patriots back in 2024, when he was claimed off waivers from the Colts. He would appear in 11 games for New England that season before being then claimed off waivers by Indianapolis in mid-May of the following offseason for his second stint with the Colts. Johnson appeared in 16% of the Colts defense’s total snaps, as well as 5% of their special teams snaps last year. The 6,’4”, 320 pound defensive lineman showed good energy and effort with Indianapolis as a backup rotational defensive lineman, but was never able to break out and make much of a consistent impact. We’ll have to see if that changes with the Vikings, but it didn’t happen with either the Colts or Patriots for that matter previously.

Q&A

What are Eric Johnson II's career stats in the NFL?

Eric Johnson II has played in 51 career games, recording 41 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 1 fumble recovery.

Why did the Vikings sign Eric Johnson II?

The Vikings signed Eric Johnson II to bolster their defensive line, hoping he can provide depth and improve their performance after serving as a backup with the Colts.

How did Eric Johnson II perform with the Colts?

During his time with the Colts, Johnson appeared in 12 games last season, recording 6 tackles and contributing to 16% of the team's defensive snaps.