Eric Johnson’s Second Chance: Battling for a Spot in the Colts’ D-Line Rotation

Back in Blue: Eric Johnson Returns to the Colts’ D-Line Mix

With offseason programs in the rearview mirror, all eyes are turning toward the Indianapolis Colts’ training camp. This is the time of year when roster battles heat up, bubble players fight for their NFL lives, and depth charts begin to take shape. One guy looking to seize that moment? Defensive tackle Eric Johnson — and his journey is anything but ordinary.

Before diving into where Johnson fits into the 2025 puzzle, let’s rewind and see how he got here — and what makes him an intriguing name to watch this summer.

A Quick Snapshot: Who is Eric Johnson?

• Height: 6'4"

• Weight: 299 lbs

• Age: 26

• NFL Experience: Entering Year 3

• College: Missouri State

• Jersey Number: 98

Drafted in the fifth round back in 2022, Johnson came into the league with a reputation for being raw but athletic. During his first two seasons in Indy, he logged 392 defensive snaps. But when the Colts trimmed their roster last summer, Johnson was one of the casualties. Claimed by the New England Patriots, he spent the 2024 season in Foxborough, suiting up for 11 games and seeing 178 snaps on defense. While his stats weren’t eye-popping — four pressures and a below-average run defense grade per Pro Football Focus (PFF) — he proved he could contribute at the NFL level.

2024: A Season of Ups and Downs in New England

Let’s be honest: Johnson’s stint with the Patriots wasn’t exactly headline-making. His PFF grade on defense came in at 54.2, and his special teams grade was just 58.2. Solid? Not quite. But serviceable? Sure. He was more of a depth guy than a standout, and with the Patriots' depth chart being what it is, he couldn’t carve out a more consistent role.

Still, NFL experience matters. He’s now played 569 total snaps over his career, with most of that work coming in real-game situations. That kind of seasoning — even in a backup role — adds value to any defensive room.

Surprise Move: Colts Bring Him Back in 2025

Just weeks after the 2025 NFL Draft wrapped up, the Patriots let Johnson go. It didn’t take long for the Colts to jump at the opportunity to bring back a familiar face. Whether it was for depth, system familiarity, or simply another shot at unlocking his potential, the decision to re-claim Johnson raised eyebrows.

Could this be a second chance story in the making?

Let the Camp Battle Begin: Fighting for a Rotational Spot

Here’s where it gets spicy. The Colts’ top-tier starters at defensive tackle are locked in: DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart — arguably one of the nastiest interior duos in the league. These guys are anchors, and there’s zero doubt about their place on the roster.

But that next wave of rotation? That’s where things get interesting. Johnson is now in the mix with:

• Neville Gallimore – A free-agent pickup with burst and some NFL production under his belt.

• Tim Smith – A rookie draft pick with upside.

• Adetomiwa Adebawore – Athletic and versatile, and someone Indy really wants to see develop.

And let’s not forget: there’s no guarantee the Colts will even keep six defensive tackles. This could quickly turn into a five-man squeeze, which means someone will be left out when final cuts roll around.

The Run Defense Factor: What Might Tilt the Scales

If there’s one area that could make or break this battle, it’s run defense. Johnson’s PFF numbers suggest it’s not his strongest suit — but improvement here could seriously bolster his chances. Given the Colts’ need for depth that can actually stop the run behind Buckner and Stewart, this could be Johnson’s golden ticket.

So how do you win the hearts of defensive coaches like Gus Bradley in Indy? Hold your ground. Stuff the A-gap. Stack blocks. Force second-and-long.

That kind of gritty, non-flashy work might not make ESPN’s Top 10, but it will earn you a roster spot.

Can Johnson Reignite His Career in Indianapolis?

Every NFL player has a story. Some are meteoric rises. Others are gritty redemption arcs. Johnson’s path looks like it’s veering toward the latter. Getting released by the team that drafted you, then coming back less than a year later? That’s not common.

But it’s also not a dead end. The Colts clearly saw something in him when they brought him back. Maybe it’s the scheme familiarity. Maybe it’s untapped potential. Maybe it’s just a belief that with the right coaching, Johnson can still become a quality rotational piece.

What to Watch During Training Camp

If you’re heading to Colts camp or tuning in from home, keep your eyes on these Eric Johnson-related storylines:

👉 1. Early Snap Distribution: Is he running with the second team or buried on the depth chart?

👉 2. Run Defense Performance: Is he holding up at the point of attack, or getting washed out?

👉 3. Versatility: Can he play multiple spots along the interior line, giving him added value?

👉 4. Special Teams Usage: His 37 special teams snaps last year matter — fringe guys must help on teams.

Final Thought: One Shot to Make it Stick

The 2025 NFL season could be a turning point for Eric Johnson. He’s still only 26, still has the size and athletic profile that got him drafted in the first place, and now — more than ever — he has a chance to rewrite his NFL story.

In a league where most guys don’t get second chances, Johnson’s back where it all began. It’s up to him now to make it count.

So don’t sleep on No. 98 this summer. The Colts' rotation might not be set in stone just yet… and Johnson might just chisel his name back into it.