Falcons Add Defensive Tackle Eric Johnson II
The Atlanta Falcons continue to make moves along the defensive front, adding another veteran to the mix ahead of the 2026 regular season.
The Falcons have officially signed defensive tackle Eric Johnson II, adding depth and NFL experience to Atlanta’s defensive line.
Johnson entered the league in 2022 when the Indianapolis Colts selected him in the fifth round with the 159th overall pick out of Missouri State.
Over four NFL seasons with the Colts and New England Patriots, Johnson appeared in 51 games. He recorded 41 tackles, including 13 solo, three quarterback hits, two tackles for loss, one fumble recovery and one sack.
Johnson spent this offseason and training camp with the Minnesota Vikings before making his way to Atlanta.
The Plainfield, Illinois native also put together a productive collegiate career at Missouri State. Johnson appeared in 58 games, finishing with 135 tackles, including 54 solo stops, 20 tackles for loss and seven sacks. He also added three fumble recoveries, two passes defensed and two forced fumbles.
The addition of Johnson gives the Falcons another option in the trenches as Atlanta continues evaluating its roster ahead of the regular season. His experience across multiple NFL defensive systems could also provide some added flexibility and depth up front.
Johnson becomes the latest veteran addition to Atlanta’s defense after the Falcons recently signed three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Za’Darius Smith.
The roster move comes as Atlanta wraps up its week in Indianapolis following two joint practices with the Colts.
Up next, the Falcons will take on the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, Aug. 22 at 1 p.m. ET at Lucas Oil Stadium as Atlanta continues its preseason preparations and evaluation of the final roster.
