Cleveland Browns commit to a three safety defense with John Johnson signing

Adding John Johnson is proof that the Cleveland Browns are committed to using three safeties in their base defense 

The Cleveland Browns remained quiet for the first few hours of free agency, and then Andrew Berry joined the fun with the signing of former Los Angeles Rams safety, John Johnson.

While the Browns have a few holes on the roster, safety was a big concern and cements the fact that Karl Joseph and Andrew Sendejo won’t be returning in 2021.

Johnson was a third-round pick in 2017 from Boston College and has played in 16 games, three of the last four seasons.  Johnson will be a great addition to the Browns secondary, where there were so many lapsed coverages in 2020.

With Grant Delpit and Ronnie Harrison already in the mix, look for defensive coordinator Joe Woods to fully integrate his dime scheme with the latest addition. Woods tried a few times last season, but the roster just wasn’t built for the change.  In year two, Woods will finally have the roster to run his defense.

The Browns didn’t have to break the bank for Johnson either.  It is being reported that Johnson signed a three-year, $33.75 million contract. That is just over $11 million per year with $24 million in guarantees.

With over 100 tackles, 8 pass deflections, and an interception in 2020 Johnson is an A+ signing for the Browns and once again shows how in the zone Berry is despite being fairly new as an NFL general manager. At 25 years of age, Johnson still only has room to improve his game.

Based on this move it is looking more and more likely the Browns will draft a cornerback and continue to look for pass-rush help in free agency. Stay tuned for what happens next.