94 Jaleel Johnson DT

Johnson signed a contract with the Texans on Thursday.

Johnson is coming off the best season of his career, having notched 44 tackles (22 solo) and 1.5 sacks across 16 games with the Vikings in 2020. He'll handle a key interior role along Houston's defensive line, though Maliek Collins stands to be ahead of him on the depth chart.

Johnson produced 44 tackles (22 solo) and 1.5 sacks through his 16 games in the 2020 campaign.

In his fourth year with Minnesota, Johnson had a larger role and earned much more playing time, allowing him to compile a career high in tackles. While the defensive tackle saw a notable increase in his usage in 2020, the defensive tackle's rookie contract is now up, so he may be wearing a different uniform next season.

Johnson started at defensive tackle and had four total tackles in Sunday's loss to Green Bay.

Johnson had an uneven performance as he had three stops, according to Pro Football Focus, but was also part of a unit that failed to generate any pass rush and allowed 4.9 yards per carry. He should get plenty of playing time, as his 57 snaps led all Minnesota defensive tackles.

Johnson is listed as a starting defensive tackle on Minnesota's initial unofficial depth chart.

Johnson started the three games that Linval Joseph missed last season, and he'll now get increased playing time with Joesph gone as a free agent and Michael Pierce opting out of the season.

Johnson produced 29 tackles and 3.5 sacks over 16 regular-season games in 2019.

Johnson started the three games that Linval Joseph missed this season, and he actually exceeded Joseph (three) in the sack department. Joseph and Shamar Stephen will be back in 2020, but Johnson -- who is heading into the final year of his rookie contract -- could push the latter for a starting role next season.

Johnson recorded six tackles (four solo) and a sack in Sunday's win over the Broncos.

The performance was easily Johnson's best of the season, as it was his first solo sack and highest tackle total this year. The 25-year-old's days as a starter could be numbered however, as Linval Joseph (knee) could be back after the upcoming Week 12 bye.

Johnson had one tackle and played on 26 of the defense's 74 snaps in Sunday's win over Atlanta.

Johnson begins the season as a reserve on the defensive line, but he is at least getting some playing time as part of the rotation. The fourth-round 2017 draft pick has just 0.5 sacks so far in his career as he hasn't been able to move into a larger role.

Johnson (undisclosed) started Saturday's preseason game against the Cardinals and had one assisted tackle.

Johnson had the undisclosed injury crop up a couple weeks ago, but he appeared fully recovered Saturday while playing 25 defensive snaps.

Johnson departed Monday's practice early, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Johnson reportedly walked off the field during team drills and entered a building to meet with trainers. It remains to be seen whether Johnson's early exit is injury related, or whether other circumstances were responsible for the defensive tackle's early exit.

Johnson will start at defensive tackle Sunday against the Jets.

Johnson is drawing the start with Linval Joseph (knee) inactive for the contest. Johnson has seen fewer than 20 defensive snaps in five straight games. He's likely in line for a large increase in playing time while he's in the starting lineup. Look for him to return to his backup role whenever Joseph returns.

The Vikings selected Johnson in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, 109th overall.

Johnson adds another big body inside for the Vikings front, checking in at 6-foot-3, 316 pounds. His subpar combine, including a mere 19 reps on the bench that ranked in just the fifth percentile among defensive linemen, made him a Day 3 pick. That said, he has impressive tape and was able to rush the passer from the interior with 7.5 sacks as a senior. Johnson figures to add depth at the right defensive tackle spot behind Sharrif Floyd, whose future is a bit cloudy due to nerve damage in his knee.