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According to ESPN’s Field Yates, the New Orleans Saints are bringing back veteran pass rusher George Johnson for 2018.
Source: the Saints have signed veteran DE George Johnson to a one-year extension through 2018.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 7, 2018
Johnson, who turned 30 back in December, had an interesting 2017, bouncing between the Buccaneers and Lions early in the season to eventually latch on with New Orleans for the team’s final three regular season contests and the two playoff appearances. Johnson had 2.5 sacks between Week 15 (Jets) and Week 16 (Falcons), logging 191 total snaps for Dennis Allen’s defense.
Perhaps he’ll be like the new Darryl Tapp of the team’s defense entering the new season. Head Coach Sean Payton and General Manager Mickey Loomis have both expressed the importance in finding a pass rusher recently. The Saints get unquestioned top production from Cameron Jordan, but after that have a few question marks.
Trey Hendrickson would likely get top billing at the spot opposite of Jordan, with Al-Quadin Muhammad and Hau’oli Kikaha potentially being the backup options. Some other variables include Alex Jenkins and Mitchell Loewen, and then seeing what New Orleans ultimately decides to do with impending free agent Alex Okafor.