The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released defensive end Michael Johnson on Wednesday, just one season after signing him to a five-year, $45 million contract. The 4-3 end is likely to garner interest since his two best seasons came as recently as 2012 and 2013.
After releasing defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka, the New York Giants could be a potential suitor for Johnson, who finished 2014 with only 20 tackles and four sacks in 14 games. It's no secret the Giants are looking to upgrade both their pass rush and interior defensive line, especially since defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is back with the team and his scheme revolves around a disruptive pass rush.
Ed Valentine of SB Nation notes the G-Men have kicked the tires on a number of free-agent defensive ends, which could put them in the market for Johnson. It was rumored Bills DE Jerry Hughes was on their radar, but he re-signed with Buffalo for five years and $45 million. They also tried to sign Eagles DE Brandon Graham and expressed interest in Bucs DE Adrian Clayborn, so it's no secret they're looking to upgrade in that department.
However, although Johnson is available, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported he will first visit the Minnesota Vikings, where his former defensive coordinator from the Cincinnati Bengals, Mike Zimmer, is the head coach. Additionally, NBC Sports' ProFootballTalk noted the Bengals were hoping to bring Johnson back if the Bucs were to release him.
"Johnson would be a good addition AT THE RIGHT PRICE," writes ESPN Insider Mike Sando. "I was surprised he was such a non-factor [with Tampa Bay]. Figured he was overpaid, but figured that was just the nature of free agency, and he would at least be a decent to above-average player. That did not happen."
But the Bucs were a mess on both sides of the ball, so perhaps Johnson's down year can be attributed to his uninspiring surroundings.
New York is big on signing players at the right price and very rarely do they offer long-term lucrative contracts unless they are confident it's going to be a good investment. If Johnson leaves Minnesota without a deal and the Bengals fail to bring him back, look for the Giants to at least inquire.
If not, Oregon defensive end Arik Armstead could be sitting there when the Giants pick No. 9 overall in the upcoming NFL Draft.
