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Ever wonder what it takes to patch up a defense on the brink, especially when injuries pile up like bad luck on a rainy Sunday afternoon? Well, the Jacksonville Jaguars just dropped a hint — they’re rolling the dice with some seasoned wisdom by signing veteran defensive tackle Austin Johnson. A guy who’s logged nine years and over 130 games across the NFL landscape, Johnson isn’t exactly your fresh-faced rookie; he’s that reliable workhorse you want when the chips are down. As Arik Armstead limps back from his back woes and Maason Smith battles the PUP list, the Jags are quietly shoring up their trenches. It’s a classic “new era, old hands” scenario that might just tip the scales — and if you ask me, it’s a savvy move that speaks volumes about how a team adapts when the spotlight shifts from dazzling rookies like Travis Hunter to the tough, gritty business of winning games.

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The Jacksonville Jaguars are adding a former star prospect.

They bulked up their defensive line with a veteran tackle.

According to a report by Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, they’re bringing in DT Austin Johnson.

Veteran DL Austin Johnson is signing with the #Jaguars, source says, as the former #Bills free agent adds depth to Jax.

The #Titans second-round pick in 2016, Johnson has also played for the #Giants and #Chargers.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 4, 2025

The 31-year-old has made 131 appearances (56 starts) in the league since the Tennessee Titans took him in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

He’s coming off making 15 appearances (one start) for the Buffalo Bills last season.

He played 31% of the team’s defensive snaps when he suited up, and finished the year with 19 total tackles and the first two interceptions of his career.

Throughout his career, he’s amassed 260 tackles and 8.5 sacks.

A nine-year veteran, he’s also had stints with the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Jaguars have now added more depth to the interior of the defensive line while Arik Armstead works his way back from a back injury and Maason Smith is still on the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

While he might not be a factor out of the gate and may not be in line to start, he gives this team a solid insurance policy in a position of need.

He’s got plenty of experience and can adapt to multiple defensive systems.

The Jaguars are at the dawn of a new era after the Doug Pederson years.

Most of the talk will be centered around the offense and rookie sensation Travis Hunter, who will drive plenty of eyeballs to a team that otherwise wouldn’t get that much attention.

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