Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson

37-Year-Old Defensive EndDE
 Free Agent  
2023 Fantasy Outlook
There was no outlook written for Michael Johnson in 2023. Check out the latest news below for more on his current fantasy value.
$Signed a one-year, $4.75 million contract with the Bengals in September of 2018.
Good to go Sunday
DECincinnati Bengals
December 16, 2018
Johnson (concussion) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Raiders.
ANALYSIS
Johnson was able to clear the league's concussion protocol heading into Sunday's tilt, so he'll be ready to make the start at defensive end across from Carlos Dunlap.
Read More News
NFL Stats
Loading NFL Stats...
2018
2017
2016
2018 NFL Game Log
Calculate Stats Over Time
Just click on any two dates.
Loading Game Log...
2017 NFL Game Log
Calculate Stats Over Time
Just click on any two dates.
Loading Game Log...
2016 NFL Game Log
Calculate Stats Over Time
Just click on any two dates.
Loading Game Log...
2023 Michael Johnson Split Stats
Loading NFL Split Stats...
Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Michael Johnson See More
NFL Draft: Three-Round Mock
3 days ago
Get ready for Michigan's J.J. McCarthy to crash the top three picks of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Gameday Injuries: Week 15
Gameday Injuries: Week 15
December 16, 2018
December 16, 2018
Juan Carlos Blanco guides you through a critical Week 15 injury report with the lowdown on the latest health outlook for key fantasy assets heading into Sunday morning.
IDP Analysis: Week 8 Matchups
October 22, 2018
Jim Coventry says the Jets’ rushing attack is unlikely to have much success on the road against Khalil Mack and the rest of an outstanding Chicago front-seven.
Week 13: Gameday Injuries
Week 13: Gameday Injuries
December 3, 2017
December 3, 2017
A full slate of games and a host of key injury-related question marks make Week 13 particularly intriguing. Juan Carlos Blanco guides you through the potential landmines as you set your lineups Sunday morning.
Past Fantasy Outlooks
2018
2016
2015
2014
2013
2009
When evaluating defensive linemen, especially for fantasy purposes, our eyes are first drawn to the player's sack totals. In Johnson's case, that means his 2012 season where he logged 11.5 sacks sticks out like a sore thumb. He hasn't topped five sacks in a season since then, and with the Bengals bringing in Carl Lawson and Jordan Lewis in 2017, he's unlikely to get anywhere near his 2012 numbers again. This could be the year where his snaps share drops off precipitously.
A third-round pick of the Bengals in 2009, Johnson has missed just three games in his seven years with the team. The veteran defensive end was on the field for 77.9 percent of the teams defensive snaps and put up numbers to reflect that, recording 42 tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles, and two passes defensed. Entering his eighth campaign, look for Johnson to again shore up the line on what has proven to be a formidable Bengals defense.
From the Bengals perspective, their experience with Johnson worked out perfectly. They couldn't afford his cap number on the open market, so when the Bucs swooped in with a five-year, $43.75 million offer last offseason, they let him go and accepted the compensatory draft pick. However, Johnson didn't work out for Tampa, tallying just 27 tackles and four sacks while missing multiple games due to a hand injury. Disappointed in their investment, the Buccaneers released Johnson this offseason, and the Bengals were able to welcome him back to the fold at a much friendlier salary cap deal of four years and $24 million. This season, he'll be part of a rotation in the Bengals' deep defensive end corps, sharing reps with Wallace Gilberry and Margus Hunt opposite Carlos Dunlap.
After recording a career-high 11.5 sacks in 2012, Johnson came back to earth last season, managing to reach only 3.5 in 15 games. However, he did rack up a career-high 56 tackles (35 solo) and he picked off one pass for the third consecutive year, while forcing two fumbles. He turned that production into five-year, $43.75 million contract with the Bucs that included $24 million guaranteed. With that kind of financial commitment, he'll be expected to put up big numbers will likely seeing a high snap count.
Johnson had a breakout season in 2012, recording 11.5 sacks. The Bengals have a lethal pass rush heading into 2013 with the combination of Johnson and Geno Atkins (12.5 sacks last season).
A third round pick in the 2009 draft, the Bengals are hoping he can bolster their pass rush.
More Fantasy News
Questionable Week 15
DECincinnati Bengals
Concussion
December 14, 2018
Johnson (concussion) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Raiders, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Misses practice Wednesday
DECincinnati Bengals
Concussion
December 12, 2018
Johnson (concussion) didn't practice Wednesday, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Scores defensive touchdown against Miami
DECincinnati Bengals
October 7, 2018
Johnson scored a defensive touchdown on an interception in the Bengals' comeback win over the Dolphins on Sunday. It was the first score in Johnson's 10-year career.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Practicing in full Thursday
DECincinnati Bengals
September 27, 2018
Johnson (knee) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Won't suit up vs. Carolina
DECincinnati Bengals
Knee
September 23, 2018
Johnson (knee) is listed as inactive Sunday against the Panthers.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.