Austin Johnson played many positions along the Giants defensive line last season, but is considered a tackle first. (Kamil Krzaczynski / Associated Press)
He was brought in to help improve the run defense, a bigger body with intentions of clogging things inside … and then some.
“Just being stout in the middle,” Austin Johnson said, “making plays, running sideline to sideline.”
Signed by the Chargers last week as a free agent, Johnson was introduced to the local media Wednesday via video call.
Highlights of that conversation plus a couple other tidbits from a day that saw Chargers nemesis Tyreek Hill traded some 1,500 miles out of the AFC West.
Big and moveable: After acquiring Johnson, coach Brandon Staley said versatility was one thing that made the veteran defensive lineman appealing.
Johnson explained that he lined up primarily at nose guard last season with the New York Giants but also said he played as wide as outside the offensive tackle at times.
“I feel like it’s…