Dyontae Johnson will continue his football career in the Big Apple.

The New York Giants signed the former Toledo linebacker as an undrafted free agent Saturday following the NFL draft. He reports to the team’s facility in East Rutherford, N.J., on Thursday. 

“I can’t even explain how excited I am,” Johnson said. 

Tight end Jamal Turner will attend mini-camps for the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and the New Orleans Saints over the next two weeks. 

In 2022, the 6-foot-4 Turner caught 29 passes for 378 yards and eight touchdowns.

Defensive end Jamal Hines will attend Chiefs mini-camp. He ranks third in program history with 47 tackles for loss and fifth with 22 sacks.  

If Johnson had to predict where he was going to end up, the Giants were his pick. He had more communication with the Giants than any other team prior to the draft. The NFC East franchise conducted a private workout with Johnson that included lunch with several team personnel.  

“I told them we feel like family already,” Johnson said. 

In 57 career games, Johnson recorded 273 tackles, including 22½ tackles for loss and 6½ sacks. He had one interception, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and nine passes defended. He led the team in tackles in 2020, was fourth in 2021, and second in 2022.

Johnson — a two-time all-Mid-American Conference selection — did not miss a game his entire career.

“I’d say I was more frustrated [about not being drafted] than disappointed because this is everything I’ve worked for,” he said. “Just having an opportunity to be here means everything to me. It definitely was nerve-wracking waiting for the call.”

The Giants will play Johnson at inside linebacker, the same area he patrolled for the Rockets. But special teams is where he can make an instant impact. 

“Special teams is going to be what gets me on the roster,” Johnson said. “That’s definitely going to be a point of emphasis.”

First Published April 30, 2023, 12:47 a.m.