Jaleel Johnson signs with Houston Texans

Shortly after losing linebacker Eric Wilson, the Minnesota Vikings have seen another defensive player move on in free agency.

Numerous sources are reporting that defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson has signed a one-year deal with the Houston Texans.

Johnson was a fourth-round pick of the Vikings out of Iowa in the 2017 NFL Draft. He played in just five games his rookie season, but appeared in all sixteen games for the Vikings in each of the past three seasons. He was thrust into a starting role at defensive tackle this past season after Michael Pierce opted out for COVID-related reasons and picked up 38 total tackles and 1.5 sacks.

Prior to the 2020 season, Johnson had gotten just four starts, but started every game for the purple this past season.

With Johnson’s departure, the Vikings don’t have a whole lot of in-house free agents remaining. The list includes

• QB Sean Mannion
• LB Todd Davis
• OL Brett Jones
• S George Iloka

We’ll keep you posted as to whether or not the Vikings retain any more of their free agents.