Tom Johnson has a mission to lead Vikings defensive tackles in sacks

CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 25: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers runs the ball against Everson Griffen #97 and Tom Johnson #92 of the Minnesota Vikings in the 1st half during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 25, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 25: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers runs the ball against Everson Griffen #97 and Tom Johnson #92 of the Minnesota Vikings in the 1st half during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 25, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Tom Johnson knows that if he wants a big payday with the Minnesota Vikings that he will need to put up some huge sack numbers during the 2017 NFL season.

Defensive tackle Tom Johnson has been establishing himself as a valuable player in for the Minnesota Vikings since he came to the team in 2014 as a free agent. Now, he is in the final year of his deal with the team and is looking ahead to the future.

At 32 years old, the clock is ticking on Johnson to get a big payday in the NFL. While he has been able to show his worth to the Vikings by cashing in on a 3 year $7 million contract in 2015, he knows that working hard and sacking opposing quarterbacks will help his cause.

Recently, Tom Johnson spoke with the Pioneer Press about his contract year and his goals headed into the 2017 season:

"“My goal is to get sacks,” Johnson said at training camp at Minnesota State Mankato. “If I lead our defensive tackles in sacks, man, that’s my mission. If I get a number of sacks, that solidifies me as an elite pass rusher, and if you pass rush and you get to the quarterback, the longer you get paid. So that’s my mission.”"

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Johnson has been a reliable defender for Minnesota since coming to the team. However, his sack numbers have dwindled the last few seasons. In 2014, he netted 6.5 only to see that number decrease to 5.5 in 2015 and finally to 2.0 last season.

Those numbers don’t please Johnson very much, and he knows he needs to do better to make the most of his opportunities.

"“Sack-wise, yeah, I was disappointed.”"

While those numbers would be considered decent for most backup or rotational defensive tackles, Johnson knows he is capable of better and wants to bounce back this season. Meanwhile, head coach Mike Zimmer has nothing but positive things to say about the defender’s impact.

"“I thought Tom played well,” Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said. “He has played well since we’ve had him. He does a good job in pass rush. That’s probably his specialty. He is working real hard, continuing to get better (against) the run.”"

Next: Vikings 2017 schedule breakdown

Tom Johnson could see a bigger role with the Minnesota Vikings in 2017 if Sharrif Floyd is still unable to play, but will face stiff competition with rookie Jaleel Johnson being drafted, Shamar Stephen emerging, and Will Sutton coming over from Chicago. But it sounds as though Johnson is up for the battle.

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