NFL

Top 5 Landing Spots For Recently Released DE Michael Johnson

Top 5 Landing Spots For DE Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson released Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

The flurry of NFL free agency has added Michael Johnson to its wake as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released the defensive end on Wednesday. Here are the top five NFL teams that should be vying for the veteran pass-rusher’s services.

5. Seattle Seahawks

Pete Carroll Seattle Seahawks Michael Johnson DE
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

5. Seattle Seahawks

Pete Carroll Seattle Seahawks Michael Johnson DE
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

To avoid getting dismantled by a pocket passer such as Tom Brady again, the defending NFC champs should look to add a defensive end with good speed off the edge. Michael Johnson is just 28 and would fit well within the precocious Legion of Boom.

4. Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton Carolina Panthers Michael Johnson DE
Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

4. Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton Carolina Panthers Michael Johnson DE
Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Odds are a 7-8-1 record won’t win the NFC South again. The Carolina Panthers must re-equip on both sides of the ball and should strongly pursue the pass-rusher Johnson.

3. New York Giants

Tom Coughlin New York Giants DE needs Michael Johnson
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

3. New York Giants

Tom Coughlin New York Giants DE needs Michael Johnson
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Giants’ 2007 and 2011 Super Bowl track record dictates that New York is the perfect place for defensive ends to flourish. Johnson is just entering his prime and would be a great fit with Big Blue.

2. Oakland Raiders

Jack Del Rio Oakland Raiders DE Needs Michael Johnson
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

2. Oakland Raiders

Jack Del Rio Oakland Raiders DE Needs Michael Johnson
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Jack Del Rio likely thinks about quarterback pressure first thing in the morning. If Johnson can revive his 2012 output with the Cincinnati Bengals -- a season in which he recorded 11.5 sacks -- he’d help the Raiders’ defensive front tremendously.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars celebrating touchdown
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

1. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars celebrating touchdown
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Jacksonville Jaguars obviously need help everywhere, but a pass rusher is an invaluable place to start. Getting to the quarterback quickly masks many faults, and the Jags would be wise to begin their mitigation with Johnson.

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