Chargers DE Austin Johnson Sets Visit With AFC East Contender

The Chargers DE Austin Johnson has already set a free agency visit with an AFC East contender.

The Los Angeles Chargers have many free agents who have already left the building for other teams. Mike Williams landed with the Jets, Gerald Everett is with the Bears, and Austin Ekeler is with the Commanders. 

The Chargers had to do some cap space gymnastics to get under the limit, but now they are sitting pretty near the top of the NFL with plenty of available cap space. This could mean they are planning to use free agency to fill the many holes that now appear on the roster. 

One of those holes could be their defensive end depth. While Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack have restructured their contracts to stay with the team, Austin Johnson could be joining the aforementioned players by landing with a new team.

Chargers free-agent DE Austin Johnson is visiting the Buffalo Bills today.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 20, 2024

Johnson is set to meet with the Buffalo Bills today, and should he sign with the team—he would be part of an AFC East contender. 

Johnson was initially drafted in 2016 by the Tennessee Titans in the second round. After four seasons with the team, he would be signed by the New York Giants. Johnson managed to secure a career-high 3.5 sacks in his final year with the team before the Chargers took a chance on him. 

Johnson spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Chargers, pulling in 68 total tackles and 1 sack. 

Instead of having to get Johnson an extension, the Chargers are likely allowing him to walk.