:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57959193/usa_today_10324500.0.jpg)
According to a Tuesday afternoon report by ESPN’s Field Yates, the New Orleans Saints are signing veteran pass rusher George Johnson and releasing offensive tackle Bryce Harris. Johnson recently worked out for the team at the end of November.
Johnson, who just turned 30 on Dec. 11, has been in the league since 2010. He got his start with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted rookie free agent, and has been with several teams throughout his career. Johnson joined the Minnesota Vikings late in the 2012 season, and would be released in October 2013.
The Rutgers product would join the Detroit Lions for 2014, appearing in all 16 games. He’d receive a one-year tender as a restricted free agent for 2015, but would was traded shortly thereafter to the Buccaneers for his second stint in April, land on injured reserve in August 2016, and get released prior to the 2017 season only to reunite with the Lions.
Johnson has six sacks in his career, all coming in 2014. With an injury to Trey Hendrickson (ankle), it would appear the Saints are signing him as an insurance policy. Look for Al-Quadin Muhammad to finally play when the team suits up against the Jets.