Kevin Johnson will be Cleveland Browns biggest 2020 offseason steal

The Cleveland Browns made a great investment in Kevin Johnson

First-year Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry made his share of solid moves this offseason. He landed two starting offensive tackles which shored up their biggest weakness and addressed their holes at safety as well.

The signings made at those positions were widely praised but he also made an under-the-radar move that could prove to be the steal of the offseason for Cleveland. Looking for depth at cornerback, Berry signed former Houston Texans first-round pick Kevin Johnson to a one-year  $3.5 million contract that could increase to $6 million with incentives.

Johnson, who was unable to keep his job in Houston mainly due to injuries revived his career with the Buffalo Bills last season and comes into Cleveland looking to challenge Greedy Williams for snaps — but at worst will be the third corner. Either way, he will be given plenty of opportunities to prove he deserves a multi-year deal whether that be with the Browns or elsewhere.

On Friday, Johnson had his first chance to prove himself with Cleveland and he made quite the first impression. He had one of the plays of the day as he picked off a pass meant for Rashard Higgins during one-on-one drills.

While it’s dangerous to get too excited about one play in a padless practice, the encouraging thing about this play was how Johnson stuck to Higgins as if they were joined at the hip. He ran stride-for-stride with him and when the wideout made his break, Johnson did the same and beat him to the ball.

A product of Wake Forest, Johnson entered the 2015 NFL Draft with many calling him a sure thing. He was known for his technique and while he isn’t one to record a ton of interceptions (seven in four seasons collegiately and just one so far as a pro), he is able to make receivers fight hard for every reception.

He’s tall, long, and physical and has no fear. He won’t give up easy passes and that’s what teams want out of their corners. For that reason, Johnson could be the steal of the offseason for the Cleveland Browns.