Colts Give Johnson New Deal

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

February 4, 1999 / 5:34 PM EST / CBS Sportsline

The Indianapolis Colts signed sacks leader Ellis Johnson to a contract extension Wednesday. Terms were not disclosed, but various reports put it at $25 million for five years.

The 25-year-old Johnson, a 1995 first-round pick, provided a steady inside pass rush from his right defensive tackle position, recording eight sacks this season.

Although the Colts ranked 29th in the league against the run and 29th in total defense, coach Jim Mora singled out defensive tackles Johnson and Tony McCoy as the unit's best players. McCoy was signed to a contract extension last month.

The 6-2, 292-pound Johnson became a full-time starter at right defensive tackle in 1997 after serving as a backup at end and tackle his first two years. He ranked fifth on the team in tackles with 48, second in sacks with 4 1/2 and second in pressures with 14.