Colts claim former draft pick off waivers from Patriots

Kevin Hickey

Colts claim former draft pick off waivers from Patriots image

The Indianapolis Colts claimed defensive tackle Eric Johnson II off waivers from the New England Patriots, the team announced Thursday.

In a corresponding move, the team waived safety Marcel Dabo, who had been a part of the International Player Pathway Program for the last three seasons.

Johnson was originally a fifth-round pick with the Colts during the 2022 NFL Draft out of Missouri State. He spent two seasons with the Colts before he was waived during final roster cuts in 2024.

Johnson recorded 17 tackles (two solo) across 11 games during the 2024 season with the Patriots.

In other news, the Colts designated tight end Maximillian Mang as Exempt/International Player. A Syracuse product, Mang signed with the Colts as an undrafted free-agent rookie on May 9.

In 50 career games (12 starts) at Syracuse, Mang recorded nine receptions for 60 yards and one touchdown.

Kevin Hickey

Hickey was previously the managing editor of USA Today's Colts Wire. His work is also featured as a fantasy football analyst for The Huddle. A career .232 hitter, he is an avid reader of Spider-Man comics, an admirer of the James Webb Space Telescope, and a keen enthusiast of Ma’s sauce. You can find him on Twitter/X @KevinHickey11