The Minnesota Vikings have terminated the contract of defensive tackle Eric Johnson II, the team announced Wednesday, ending a short stay in Minnesota for the veteran who was preparing to begin his fifth NFL season.
The move created a roster spot for the signing of guard Joshua Gray during training camp.
Johnson, listed at 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, joined the Vikings as an unrestricted free agent on April 29 on a one-year contract. The Illinois native out of Plainfield South High School and Missouri State had been added to provide veteran depth along an interior defensive line that saw significant turnover this offseason.
Originally selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the 159th overall pick spent his first two professional seasons in Indianapolis. After being waived in 2024, he was claimed by the New England Patriots and played 11 games that year before returning to the Colts in 2025.
In 51 career regular-season games, all in a reserve role, Johnson has recorded 41 tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery. His most productive year came in 2023 with 15 tackles and a sack.
Last season he appeared in 12 games for Indianapolis, contributing six tackles over 131 defensive snaps. He has never started an NFL game.
At 28, he entered 2026 looking to carve out a rotational spot as a run-stuffer behind younger talent and recent draft additions on Brian Flores’ defense.
The corresponding addition of Gray, a 26-year-old former Oregon State starter who went undrafted in 2025, reflects the Vikings’ continued evaluation of their trenches.
Gray spent 2025 primarily on the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad and had a short stop with the Carolina Panthers before arriving in Minnesota. He is expected to compete for interior offensive line depth.
As a vested veteran with four accrued seasons, Johnson’s contract was terminated rather than simply waived, allowing him to sign with another team immediately.
He now returns to the free-agent market as clubs make final cuts before the regular season. His size and experience could draw interest from teams seeking inexpensive interior depth.
Johnson’s Vikings chapter lasted less than four months. The organization continues to adjust its roster under head coach Kevin O’Connell as it shapes the 2026 group.
For the former Missouri State Bear, the next opportunity will determine whether his fifth NFL season begins elsewhere.
