Austin Johnson Strengthens Defensive Line for Jacksonville Jaguars

In the quest to rebuild a defensive unit that struggled through a 4-13 season, the Jacksonville Jaguars have made a strategic addition to their interior line: signing veteran defensive tackle Austin Johnson to a two-year deal ahead of the 2025 campaign. The move addresses a longstanding need for the Jaguars, who ranked 26th in the NFL in run defense last season (allowing 4.8 yards per carry) and lacked consistent interior pressure to complement edge rushers Josh Allen and Emmanuel Ogbah. Johnson, an 8-year NFL veteran with stints in Tennessee, New York (Giants), and Pittsburgh, brings a rare combination of size (6’4”, 315 lbs), strength, and durability—having played in 110 of 112 possible games over his career. For a Jaguars team aiming to rebound from a dismal year, Johnson’s arrival isn’t just about adding talent; it’s about fortifying a defensive line that was too often pushed around in 2024. Austin Johnson Strengthens Defensive Line for Jacksonville Jaguars thus marks a critical step in the team’s rebuild, as they look to turn a liability into a strength.

A closer look at Johnson’s on-field production reveals why Austin Johnson Strengthens Defensive Line for Jacksonville Jaguars is more than a routine roster move. Last season with the Steelers, Johnson recorded 42 total tackles, 2 sacks, 5 quarterback hits, and 3 tackles for loss—impressive numbers for a player who primarily served as a run-stopping specialist. His biggest impact came against the run: Johnson ranked in the 78th percentile among defensive tackles in run-stop win rate (12.3%), meaning he disrupted nearly 1 in 8 opposing run plays he faced. He also excels at absorbing double teams, a skill that frees up linebackers to make tackles—exactly what the Jaguars need to fix their struggling run defense. Beyond stats, Johnson’s leadership stands out: he served as a captain for the Steelers’ defensive line last season and was praised for mentoring young players like defensive tackle Keeanu Benton. Defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell, who worked with Johnson briefly in Tennessee, noted, “Austin is the kind of player who makes everyone around him better. He’s physical, he’s smart, and he knows how to win in the trenches. Adding him to our line changes the dynamic of our entire defense.” Austin Johnson Strengthens Defensive Line for Jacksonville Jaguars thus reflects the Jaguars’ focus on adding proven, high-character players who can contribute both on and off the field.

Johnson’s style of play aligns perfectly with the Jaguars’ defensive scheme, making Austin Johnson Strengthens Defensive Line for Jacksonville Jaguars a seamless fit. Caldwell’s system relies on a 4-3 base defense where defensive tackles are tasked with two key roles: stopping the run by clogging interior gaps and generating occasional pressure on the quarterback. Johnson excels at both: in run sets, he uses his size and strength to push offensive guards back and plug holes, preventing running backs from finding cutback lanes; in passing downs, he employs a quick first step and hand technique to collapse the pocket from the interior. This versatility will let the Jaguars rotate Johnson with starting defensive tackles Daron Payne and DaVon Hamilton, keeping all three fresh throughout games. Unlike the Jaguars’ 2024 backup interior linemen, who struggled to stay on the field, Johnson’s durability is a major asset—he hasn’t missed a game due to injury since 2020. “Austin’s ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level every week is invaluable,” Caldwell said. “In the NFL, consistency matters, and Austin brings that in spades. He’ll let us keep our top defensive tackles fresh for critical moments, which is going to make a huge difference in close games.” Austin Johnson Strengthens Defensive Line for Jacksonville Jaguars thus underscores how the team is building a defense that can sustain success for 60 minutes, not just in spurts.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ existing defensive line talent will benefit greatly from Johnson’s arrival, as his presence creates a more balanced and disruptive unit— a key part of Austin Johnson Strengthens Defensive Line for Jacksonville Jaguars. With Johnson in the fold, the Jaguars now have three proven defensive tackles who can each play 40-50 snaps per game, eliminating the drop-off in production that plagued them last season when backups entered the game. Payne, a Pro Bowl-caliber pass rusher, will now face fewer double teams, as offenses will have to allocate resources to stop Johnson’s run-stopping and occasional pass-rushing threat. Hamilton, who struggled with injuries in 2024, will get more rest, reducing his risk of fatigue-related mistakes. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ edge rushers will also benefit: when Johnson collapses the pocket from the interior, quarterbacks have less time to escape, making it easier for Allen and Ogbah to get to the passer. “Having Austin in the middle changes everything,” Allen said in a recent interview. “Last season, teams could focus on stopping the edge because our interior didn’t have the same threat. Now, they have to pick their poison—and that’s going to lead to more sacks for all of us.” The Jacksonville Jaguars thus aren’t just adding a player to their line; they’re creating a cohesive unit where each member’s strengths complement the others. Austin Johnson Strengthens Defensive Line for Jacksonville Jaguars thus is a win for the entire defense, not just the interior.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ locker room has embraced Johnson’s arrival, with veteran players praising the move as a sign of the team’s commitment to winning— a dynamic that enhances Austin Johnson Strengthens Defensive Line for Jacksonville Jaguars. Payne, who joined the Jaguars in free agency earlier this offseason, has already built a rapport with Johnson, working out with him in Jacksonville during the offseason. “Austin is a guy I’ve always respected from across the field,” Payne said. “He’s tough, he’s competitive, and he knows how to win. Having him on our side now is a game-changer. We’re going to make life miserable for opposing offensive lines this season.” Linebacker Foyesade Oluokun, the Jaguars’ defensive captain, echoed that sentiment, noting that Johnson’s leadership will be just as valuable as his on-field play. “Leadership in the trenches is hard to find, and Austin has it,” Oluokun said. “He’s been in the league a long time, and he knows what it takes to turn a losing team into a winner. That’s exactly the kind of voice we need in our locker room as we bounce back from last season.” The Jacksonville Jaguars’ front office has also emphasized Johnson’s fit with the team’s culture, with general manager Trent Baalke stating that “character and competitiveness were just as important as talent when we pursued Austin.” The Jacksonville Jaguars thus are building more than a roster—they’re building a team with the mindset to win. Austin Johnson Strengthens Defensive Line for Jacksonville Jaguars thus reflects the organization’s holistic approach to rebuilding, combining talent, leadership, and culture.

Looking ahead, Austin Johnson Strengthens Defensive Line for Jacksonville Jaguars will have long-term implications for the Jaguars’ rebuild, as they aim to become a consistent playoff contender. Johnson’s two-year deal gives the team stability at defensive tackle while allowing young players like backup Khale Saunders Sr. to develop behind proven veterans. If Johnson performs well in 2025, the Jaguars could look to extend him, ensuring long-term stability in the trenches. For the Jaguars’ defense as a whole, Johnson’s arrival is a cornerstone of their plan to climb from the bottom of the league in run defense to a top-15 unit. With a schedule that includes run-heavy teams like the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns, Johnson’s ability to stop the run will be critical to the Jaguars’ success. “I’m here to win,” Johnson said in his introductory press conference. “The Jaguars have a lot of young talent, and I want to help them reach their potential. Fixing the run defense is a start, but we’re not stopping there—we want to be a defense that scares teams, and I think we have the pieces to do that.” Austin Johnson Strengthens Defensive Line for Jacksonville Jaguars thus isn’t just about the 2025 season; it’s about building a defensive identity that will carry the Jaguars for years to come. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Johnson and the rest of the defensive line to see if they can turn the Jaguars’ biggest weakness into their greatest strength.