Browns sign safety John Johnson as the first piece of the defensive rebuild

The Cleveland Browns have signed former Los Angeles Rams safety John Johnson to a three-year deal that will help solidify the back of the defense.

The Browns got arguably the best defensive back on the free agent market and got him for a steal. Former Rams safety John Johnson has agreed to sign with the Browns on a three-year deal, worth $33.75 million. The move can be compared very similarly to the Jac Conklin deal, as the Browns landed one of the top players at his position last year for a bit less than many thought that player would sign for.

Johnson is a versatile safety, capable of playing free or strong in any defense, and has excellent tackling, something Cleveland sorely had little of last year. His ability to stick a hit will allow him to play closer to the line of scrimmage when defensive coordinator Joe Woods goes three deep at safety during passing downs.

While not a Pro Bowl or All-Pro player yet, the former 3rd round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft is only 25, and won’t turn 26 until December. He’s played very well throughout his career, his stats will tell you that much but analytic sites like Pro Football Focus have rated him an 80+ in three of his four pro seasons, with 2020 being his highest yet at an 85.6.

Considering an “average” year for a player is in the 60s or so, and how rare a player hits a 90, to get a free agent who graded out as high as Johnson did is a huge get for Cleveland

The Browns aren’t done making moves just yet. Cleveland.com has revealed that the Browns have tendered KhaDarel Hodge, meaning the team first right of refusal to sign him. If no deal is agreed upon, he’ll return to the Browns at a salary of $2.133 million for the 2021 season.

The Browns are also still pursuing Trey Hendrickson as well. Hendrickson is the four-year man out of New Orleans who tied with Aaron Donald in sacks for the 2020 campaign.