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The Cleveland Browns have made a massive move to improve their secondary.
Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported that the Browns have signed former Los Angeles Rams safety John Johnson III to a three-year, $33.75 million deal. Garafolo also reported the deal includes $24 million guaranteed.
#Browns deal for S John Johnson: Three years, $33.75 million with $24 million guaranteed, source says. Former third-rounder cashes in.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 15, 2021
Johnson had a very productive year for the league's best defense in 2020.
The 25-year-old started all 16 games for the Rams, recording 105 combined tackles and eight passes defended. He excelled playing up in the box or pressing receivers in coverage, allowing just 6.4 yards per completion this past season. Johnson was the fourth-highest graded safety in coverage last year, per Pro Football Focus.
Johnson also has a strong track record as a turnover machine. He had four interceptions in 2018, and two more in just six games in 2019. The former third-round pick had just one pick in 2020. This will bolster a Browns team that was plus-five in turnover differential.
Cleveland desperately needed to make this kind of move. The Browns were last in the NFL in safety coverage grade in 2020, per PFF. There is talent at the outside corner spot, with 2018 first-rounder Denzel Ward continuing to impress. However, the group of Andrew Sendejo, Karl Joseph, and Ronnie Harrison just did not cut it this past season.
The Browns ranked 22nd in passing yards allowed and 25th in passing touchdowns allowed in 2020. They have since added an elite cover safety who can prevent big plays over the top and press wideouts.
General manager Andrew Berry might still be looking to add an edge rusher. Nonetheless, he and the Browns addressed a major hole by signing Johnson in free agency.
