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Browns stock report: John Johnson struggles after asking for more effort

By Eddie McDonald

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 23: John Johnson III #43 of the Cleveland Browns tackles Gus Edwards #35 of the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter of the game at M&T Bank Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 23: John Johnson III #43 of the Cleveland Browns tackles Gus Edwards #35 of the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter of the game at M&T Bank Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns, John Johnson III. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports /

Stock Down: Jedrick Wills Jr.

Sunday was certainly not a day to remember for Jedrick Wills Jr. Throughout the game, he just looked out of it, or that something just a bit off about his play.

He graded at 32.9 per Pro Football Focus, which is, well, not good. He was called for a holding penalty that was very curious, to say the least. Nothing on the replay showed that he had committed a penalty, and that brought back a first down and changed the entire complexion of the drive.

Bad games are bound to happen and this is one Wills can flush and move on from. Outside of Sunday, he has proved that he belongs on this roster, and that fifth-year option should no doubt be picked up.

Stock Down: John Johnson III

The signing of John Johnson III was met with high praise from most of the Cleveland fanbase when it happened in the 2021 offseason. The Browns gave Johnson $33 million over three years, and his time could also be up.

Like Hunt, Johnson could very well be dealt with before the November 1 trade deadline. In both cases, it will depend on what the Browns can get back in return and how much money will need to be eaten. Should Johnson not be dealt before the deadline, the Browns can just release him in the offseason and save roughly $3 million in cap space.

Last week, Johnson called out the lack of commitment from his teammates, and on Sunday, it looked like he was giving zero effort. He was either doing this because he truly does not understand his defensive assignments or he is simply avoiding contact. Either way, it is time for the John Johnson experiment to be over.

There was locker room turmoil littered throughout the 2021 season and it appeared as if the Browns had cleaned that up by getting rid of Odell Beckham Jr. midseason and Baker Mayfield after the season.

Now, there was a shouting match that occurred after Sunday’s loss, and while we don’t know who was directly involved, it is clear that not everyone gels together on the defensive side of the football.

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