EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings are continuing to add pieces to their defensive line.

Minnesota has signed free agent defensive tackle Eric Johnson II, the team announced Wednesday.

Originally a fifth-round selection by Indianapolis in the 2022 NFL Draft, Johnson spent his first two pro seasons with the Colts, a stint with the Patriots in 2024 and then rejoined the Colts for the 2025 campaign. He played in 12 games last season and recorded six tackles, including one for loss.

Johnson was on the field for 131 defensive snaps and 16 special teams snaps.

Johnson's most productive season occurred in 2023, when he had 15 tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss.

An Illinois native, Johnson attended Plainview South High School and lettered in football and wrestling. During his senior year and first season as a starter, he racked up 17 sacks and 29 tackles for loss for the Cougars, earning his second consecutive all-conference nod. On the wrestling mat, Johnson got second place at the 2015 IHSA Class 3A state tournament.

He went on to play collegiately for Missouri State, redshirting his first season and then utilizing his extra year of eligibility — granted to college athletes who played in the 2020 campaign due to the COVID-19 pandemic — to ultimately spend six seasons with the Bears.

Johnson garnered Second-Team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors that final season after recording 43 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and blocking three kicks on special teams. He played in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and the Senior Bowl.

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