According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, if the Bengals allow free agent DE Michael Johnson to test the open market next week, the Minnesota Vikings will have him as their “top target.”
Tom Pelissero mentioned during the Scouting Combine a few weeks ago that there was some “buzz” going around that the Vikings could be a match for Johnson, so this isn’t the first time we’ve heard them connected to Johnson.
The fact that Minnesota has hired former Bengals DC Mike Zimmer is now the Vikings new head coach, and their obvious need for a defensive end, makes this seem like a plausible option.
There is, of course, still a chance that the Bengals could try to get something done in the next few days, but Johnson is in a great position to secure a sizable contract one year after Cincinnati used their franchise tag on him.
Johnson, 27, appeared in 15 games for the Bengals last year and totaled 56 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. Pro Football Focus had him rated as the No. 4 defensive end in a 4-3 scheme.
We have Johnson listed as the No. 2 player in our Top 50 Free Agents list.
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