4 ‘cheap’ free agent safeties Cleveland Browns could target

1. John Johnson III

Cheap may be a bit of a stretch here, but hear me out. John Johnson has been one of the best safeties in the NFL every year, except for his injury-shortened 2019, since being drafted by the Rams in the third round of 2017 out of Boston College. That injury-plagued 2019 season could be what drops Johnson from the $15-17 million range into the $12.5-14.5 million range. We know the Rams are out with tons of cap issues, so one suitor is gone. Could the amount of guaranteed money win out?

Johnson bounced back from 2019 with another stellar season in 2020. According to Pro Football Focus, he was the third highest-graded safety in 2020 at 85.3. The best part is he is equally great in coverage and run defense, allowing him to play all downs anywhere you want him. Johnson was thrown at 69 times, allowing a completion percentage of 69.1 and zero touchdowns for a quarterback rating of 71.9 against him. He also had 8 passes defended and an interception. Johnson is an elite impact player for any team that gets him.

While Johnson would be a fantastic addition to the Browns at a potentially reasonable price, the front office would not shell out the contract without some moves. Re-structures would need to happen with multiple players to open up the room to sign Johnson to a big contract and still have money for extensions and other FA signings.

If the Browns, and players, are willing to get this done, adding a safety like Johnson, a healthy Delpit, and Harrison could potentially be the best safety group in the NFL.

Contract prediction: Four years $41.5 million with $22.5-25 million guaranteed