The Los Angeles Rams announced on Thursday that they re-signed safety John Johnson to an undisclosed. Johnson will return to the Rams in 2024 after putting up 42 tackles (24 solo), two interceptions and six pass breakups in 17 regular-season games (eight starts) in his return to the Rams in 2023. The 28-year-old defensive back was originally drafted by the Rams in the third round (91st overall) in 2017 out of Boston College. Johnson saw more playing time down the stretch in LA last year, but overall, it was a step back in more of a rotational role. At best, Johnson will be competing for a starting spot to open the 2024 campaign with Russ Yeast, putting him off the IDP radar. In his seven years in the NFL, Johnson has a total of 554 tackles (366 solo), one sack, 13 tackles for loss, six QB hits, 14 picks, 47 pass breakups, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Free-agent safety John Johnson signed an undisclosed one-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams on Monday, according to a source. Johnson was originally drafted by the Rams in 2017 out of Boston College in the third round (91st overall), and he spent the first four seasons of his NFL career in LA before playing for the Cleveland Browns the last two years. The 27-year-old could return to a starting role for an inexperienced Rams defense in 2023. In 17 starts for the Browns last year, Johnson had 101 tackles (70 solo), half a sack, four tackles for loss, one interception, four passes defensed, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Johnson has over 100 combined tackles in three of his six NFL campaigns.
The Cleveland Browns will release safety John Johnson III at the start of the new league year on March 15, barring a trade, according to sources. Johnson was entering the final year of a three-year contract that he signed in free agency in 2021. The 27-year-old should draw plenty of interest on the open market next month if he makes it there. If the Browns end up releasing him, they'll save $9.75 million against the 2023 salary cap. In his second year in Cleveland in 2022, Johnson had 101 tackles (70 solo), four tackles for loss, half a sack, one interception, four passes defensed, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 17 starts. Johnson had 107 solo tackles, one sack, four interceptions and nine passes defensed in his two seasons with the Browns.
Cleveland Browns safety John Johnson could be a possible cap casualty this offseason. Zac Jackson of The Athletic believes that Johnson won't be back with the organization next season. The 27-year-old produced over 100 tackles last season, but also finished with a lousy 56.4 PFF run defense grade in 2022. Johnson has a cap hit of $13.5 million for the 2023 campaign. The Browns could save $12.6 million by moving on from Johnson this offseason. The former third round pick shouldn't have an issue finding another team, assuming he gets cut. It sounds like Johnson might have to take a paycut if he wants to stick around in Cleveland.
Cleveland Browns safety John Johnson has been cleared to come off the Reserve/COVID-19 list in time for Monday's rescheduled game against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to a source. Johnson tested positive for the virus on Tuesday and didn't practice at all this week, but he has tested negative since and will be available to play against the Raiders in Week 15. It's good news for the Browns defense, but the offense will be without both quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Case Keenum, who remain on the COVID list. As long as star pass-rusher Myles Garrett remains off the COVID list, the Browns defense/special teams could be a sneaky DFS and low-end streaming option for fantasy managers against a Raiders team that will be missing tight end Darren Waller (back, knee) yet again.
The Cleveland Browns and safety John Johnson have agreed to a three-year, $33.75 million deal, according to multiple sources. Johnson, formerly of the Los Angeles Rams, will step in as a starting safety for a Cleveland defense that was in need of reinforcements in the secondary last year. The 25-year-old will join veteran Ronnie Harrison and second-year player Grant Delpit as the team's top three safeties. Delpit was a second-round pick in 2020 but missed the entire season with a ruptured Achilles. Johnson was widely regarded as one of the top safeties available on the market and should instantly solidify the position for Cleveland.
