6 options for the Vikings to replace DT Michael Pierce

Jaleel Johnson

The guy who appears to be the immediate front-runner for the job, Jaleel Johnson has been waiting for an opportunity like this since he was drafted by the Vikings in 2017.

Johnson didn’t see much of the field during his first two years with Minnesota, but last year he was able to appear in 37 percent of the team’s defensive snaps and even start three games.

Unsurprisingly, it resulted in the most productive season of his NFL career as he finished with 29 tackles (five for a loss), five quarterback hits, and 3.5 sacks. He also generated six quarterback pressures and his missed tackle rate (3.3 percent) was among the lowest on the Vikings defense in 2019.

At 316 pounds, Johnson is currently the heaviest remaining defensive lineman on Minnesota’s roster after the departure of the 340-pound Michael Pierce. Will the former Iowa defensive tackle be ready if the Vikings make him a starter this season?