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Reports: Former Penn State Stars Austin Johnson, DaQuan Jones Find New NFL Homes

According to a few reports, former Penn State defensive linemen Austin Johnson and DaQuan Jones will sign with new teams as the NFL’s free agency window officially opens this week.

Austin Johnson is expected to sign with the Los Angeles Chargers, per a report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport Monday night.

Though sources claim that Johnson is set to sign, he cannot officially sign with Los Angeles until the NFL’s free agency window opens at 4 p.m. Wednesday. As a result, the New York Giants may have a chance to lure him back.

Johnson would join current stars Joey Bosa and Derwin James, as well as recent All-Pro Chargers additions like Khalil Mack and JC Jackson, to create a formidable defense in the AFC West. His deal is reportedly worth $14 million over two years.

The Nittany Lion has six NFL seasons under his belt after being selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. In his four seasons with the Titans, Johnson recorded 84 tackles, five pass defenses, and two and a half sacks. At the conclusion of the 2019 season, Johnson signed with the New York Giants.

With the Giants, Johnson established himself as a consistent defensive contributor. He played every game of the 2020 season, before earning a starting role for the 2021 season. Johnson did not miss a single game.

Over the last two seasons, Johnson totaled 90 tackles, four and a half sacks, two pass defenses, and a forced fumble.

At Penn State, Johnson played three seasons, including the Nittany Lions’ 2016 Big Ten Championship campaign. Johnson earned second-team All-Big Ten honors junior year, as well as an honorable mention in his sophomore year. Johnson finished his collegiate career with 154 tackles, eight and a half sacks, four fumble recoveries, and a touchdown.

DaQuan Jones, meanwhile, is expected to sign with the Buffalo Bills, according to a report from ESPN’s Dianna Russini Monday night.

After being selected in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans, Jones played seven seasons in Tennessee. Following his rookie season, Jones earned a starting position and held it before joining the Carolina Panthers prior to the 2021 season.

Since becoming a starter in the NFL, Jones has not missed a single start. Over his eight professional seasons, Jones totaled 273 tackles, 10 sacks, three forced fumbles, and a touchdown.

Jones played three seasons with the Nittany Lions and recorded 86 tackles, three and a half sacks, a pass defense, and a fumble recovery.

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About the Author

Sam Fremin

Sam is a senior from Ashburn, Virginia, majoring in journalism and political science & minoring in German and creative writing. He is a Dallas Cowboys fan who relishes the misery of Eagles fans. All hate messages can be sent to [email protected] or @SamFremin on Twitter.

He may or may not read every single comment he gets.

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