It marks a return to Indianapolis for the 2022 draft pick.
Eric Johnson II will be returning to the organization that filled out his NFL draft card.
The Indianapolis Colts claimed the defensive tackle off waivers from the New England Patriots on Thursday afternoon.
We have claimed DT Eric Johnson II off waivers (from NE) and waived S Marcel Dabo.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) May 15, 2025
Johnson, 26, became the corresponding move at Gillette Stadium following the signing of veteran running back Trayveon Williams. The 6-foot-4, 299-pounder had been awarded there as the league’s 53-man roster deadline passed last August. He made 11 appearances over the course of the 2024 Patriots season, logging 178 snaps on defense and 37 snaps on special teams.
The Missouri State product is now set to circle back from the AFC East to the AFC South.
Selected in the fifth round of the 2022 draft at No. 159 overall, Johnson appeared in 28 games during his initial stint with the Colts. His NFL career includes 35 tackles along with one sack and one fumble recovery.
New England’s interior defensive line moves forward with Christian Barmore, Milton Williams, Keion White, Joshua Farmer, Khyiris Tonga, Jeremiah Pharms Jr., Jaquelin Roy, Jahvaree Ritzie, Isaiah Iton and Wilfried Pene, who carries a 90-man roster exemption through the NFL’s International Player Pathway.
The first session of organized team activities in Foxborough arrives next Monday.