Austin Johnson had his debut Chargers campaign cut short due to injury, but he rebounded with a healthy season in 2023. The veteran defensive lineman is now drawing interest in the second wave of free agency. 
Johnson met with the Bills earlier this week, as noted by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. That summit will be followed by visit with the Cardinals today, Schefter adds. The 29-year-old worked as a rotational contributor for the early portion of his career, but for the past three seasons he has served as a full-time starter.
The Chargers signed Johnson to a two-year, $14MM deal in 2022 as part of the team’s efforts to improve against the run. An MCL injury limited him to eight games that year, one which came after a full slate with the Giants. The former second-rounder once again suited up for 17 games last year, posting 46 tackles (the second-highest mark of his career).
Buffalo has seen plenty of turnover on the defensive side of the ball this offseason, but the D-line will return DaQuan Jones and A.J. Epenesa after they agreed to re-ups. The Bills showed interest in Arik Armstead before he ultimately signed with the Jaguars, though, indicating their willingness to continue adding along the interior. Johnson would join Jones and Ed Oliver as another starting-caliber DT option with a Buffalo deal.
The Cardinals have made sweeping changes on the defensive line so far in free agency. Arizona has worked out deals with Bilal Nichols, Justin Jones and Khyiris Tonga, and they will be notable contributors for the team in 2024. After ranking last in the NFL in rushing yards allowed last season (143 yards per game), the Cardinals will no doubt remain active in pursuing further additions up front, however.
Arizona entered Friday with over $29MM in cap space, giving the team far more spending power than Buffalo ($7.5MM). Johnson is one of several veterans still on the market who will be available on short-term, low-cost additions given where free agency now stands. More clarity on his future could emerge after his Cardinals visit takes place.