John

Johnson III

Johnson will be placed on injured reserve after suffering the injury in the Week 2 loss to the Cardinals. The safety was re-signed by the Rams over the summer, and was starting at free safety prior to the injury. Kamren Kinchens — the Rams third-round pick of 2024 — will likely see the reps there with Johnson out.

Johnson returned to the Rams last season on a one-year contract and is now re-upping with the team for the 2024 season. In his 2023 return, Johnson started eight of the 17 games he appeared in for the Rams while totaling two interceptions and six pass breakups. The veteran provides plenty of experience as a starter and will likely play in a similar backup role this season.

Johnson was selected by the Rams in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft and played his first four seasons with the team. He’s spent the last two seasons in Cleveland, where he appeared in 32 games while notching four interceptions and three forced fumbles. With 80 career starts under his belt, Johnson could once again find himself in a starting role on a defense that doesn’t project to be very good in 2023.

Johnson was released by the Browns earlier this offseason after his two-year tenure with the team. Johnson started all 17 games for the Browns last season, totaling 101 tackles, four TFLs, and one interception.

Johnson should have a market in what projects as a somewhat deep safety free agent class. He played a big role in Cleveland’s issues dealing with the run in 2022, but has a better history as a tackler than that. Johnson turned 27 in December and the lack of compensation attached to him and his track record probably says he’ll get a multi-year deal.

Johnson had a down season and is one of Cleveland’s best avenues to clear cap space this offseason. He’s got a $13.5 million cap number and the Browns can save $12.6 million by cutting him. Johnson dropped from a 67.9 PFF run defense grade in 2021 to a 56.4 PFF run defense grade in 2022. The Browns could move on and find another starter in what looks to be a fairly deep safety free agency class.

Johnson will also receive $24 million guaranteed. Browns DC Joe Woods had mentioned wanting to call more dime and three-safety coverages last year, and Johnson’s availability will allow him to do so along with Grant Delpit and Ronnie Harrison. The 25-year-old prized acquisition also graded as Pro Football Focus’ No. 5 safety among 172 qualifiers last year, additionally sharing Brandon Staley’s play-calling with the rest of Los Angeles’ defense. He’ll be viewed as the leader amongst Cleveland’s secondary.

Johnson was injured in the Week 6 loss to the 49ers and won’t be eligible to return until mid-December. Johnson was a year-two breakout player on the Rams’ defense last season but was a major part of the unit’s struggles six weeks into 2019. Johnson is currently Pro Football Focus’ No. 82 safety out of 84 qualifiers. Eric Weddle, rookie Taylor Rapp, and Marqui Christian will handle safety duties with Johnson out.

Johnson (6’1/208) made 27 career starts in the B.C. secondary, amassing six tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and six interceptions. He shined at January’s Senior Bowl practices – particularly excelling in punt coverage during the all-star game – and turned in solid Combine results with a 55th-percentile SPARQ score and impressive 6.72 three-cone time. Johnson racked up 30 special teams tackles over his final three seasons and has experience at boundary corner, slot corner, and both safety spots. He’s a high-floor prospect with a chance to develop into a starter.