There are quite a few former LA Chargers who are still on the free-agent market heading into the 2025 preseason. That list did shrink on Monday, though, as the Jacksonville Jaguars signed former Bolts defensive lineman Austin Johnson.
Jacksonville signed Johnson to a one-year deal, prompting concerns over the health of the defensive line heading into the preseason. Both Maason Smith and Arik Armstead have sat out most of training camp thus far and signing Johnson may indicate their injuries are more serious than expected.
Normally, it would be an uphill battle for a signing this late to make the roster. However, because of Johnson's pedigree, he has a good shot at making the Jags' 53-man roster.
Jaguars sign former Chargers hidden gem Austin Johnson
Austin Johnson was one of the few additions of the Brandon Staley who worked out for the Bolts. Signing Johnson wasn't a needle-moving decision but it did raise the floor of a defensive line that certainly needed the help.
Johnson signed with the Chargers ahead of the 2022 season after a two-year stint with the New York Giants. The former Titans' draft pick was coming off a career year with the Giants and carried that production into 2022. However, he only played half a season, which limited his production.
Johnson played the entire 2023 season and was quite solid. While he did not record a single quarterback sack, his efforts in the run game were felt, even if the Chargers' defense as a whole left more to be desired.
His one-year stint with the Buffalo Bills did not quite go as planned and now he finds himself in Jacksonville looking to prove that he is still a capable run defender. Johnson won't be an every-down player for the Jags; he wasn't even that at his best. But if he's right, he is someone who can play early downs to get after the running back.
The long list of former Chargers who are still free agents has shrunk just a tad with Johnson finding a home in Jacksonville. Next could be Keenan Allen, who may be on track for a reunion with the Chargers after working out for them last Friday.