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3 Pending free agents the Cleveland Browns need to re-sign

By Matthew McFatridge

Jan 3, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Rashard Higgins (82) celebrates after the Browns beat the Pittsburgh Steelers and secured a playoff berth at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Rashard Higgins (82) celebrates after the Browns beat the Pittsburgh Steelers and secured a playoff berth at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Browns . Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Kevin Johnson, Cornerback

Kevin Johnson came to the Cleveland Browns in 2020 on a one-year, prove-it deal. General manager Andrew Berry signed several players to these prove-it deals, mostly veterans, to help be a stop-gap in positions of need, but also for them to be evaluated for potential long-term signings.

Johnson’s biggest issue entering this past season was his availability, with him having missed several games early on in his career. While he has had his share of struggles since entering the league, not counting the injuries, Johnson was a first-round pick when drafted in the 2015 NFL Draft. Teams find it hard to give up on first-round talents, and although the Houston Texans let him go after his rookie contract expired, the Cleveland Browns may still see plenty of potential in him to re-sign him to another short term deal.

Kevin Johnson also could help provide depth at a position that is still a huge need for the Browns. With Greedy Williams’ injury status for the past two seasons since being drafted, and his future in Cleveland being unknown, Johnson returning in free agency may be rewarding for the Browns.

Even if the Browns find a stud cornerback or two in the upcoming NFL Draft, which they should most certainly explore, Kevin Johnson should come back to Cleveland and provide depth for a unit that doesn’t have much beyond Denzel Ward right now. Resigning Johnson to another short term deal is probably the best situation for both he and the Cleveland Browns in 2021.

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