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Cleveland Browns: Grading big free agent additions so far

By Khaled Abdallah

Sep 8, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Malik Jackson (97) holds his foot after injuring it against the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 8, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Malik Jackson (97) holds his foot after injuring it against the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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John Johnson, Cleveland Browns. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

John Johnson III, S (Los Angeles Rams)

Grade: A

John Johnson was one of the crown jewels of the 2021 free agency class and the Browns snatched him up on a three-year, $33.75 million deal. Johnson was one of the best safeties in the NFL last season as he bounced back in a major way from an injury shortened 2019 season where he played just 6 games.

The former BC Eagle is a tackling machine as he has racked up 350 tackles in 54 games and has also recorded eight interceptions and 32 passes defended. He is a versatile safety that excels in coverage but is not afraid to mix it up in the box and in the run game.

Johnson is still just 25 years old and it was a surprise that the Rams did not bring him back after four great years but their loss is Cleveland’s gain. They had a need at free safety and guys like Karl Joseph and Sheldrick Redwine performed admirably, Johnson is a massive upgrade over both.

There is little if any downside to this move as the Browns added a fantastic young player to bolster the back end of their defense. They were 22nd in passing yards allowed and 25th in passing touchdowns allowed and the addition of Johnson should help them improve big time in that category.

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