The Browns added a big chunk to their defense when they signed safety John Johnson last week, and they apparently faced fierce competition for his services.
Johnson turned down “significantly more money” from another team to sign with the Browns, his agents told Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot. He was clearly very excited about the prospect of playing for this new Browns team that has had their best season in decades. It’s a sign of how much times have changed that players are now taking less money to sign with the Browns as a destination in free agency.
Imagine if someone told you that a few years ago. Johnson signed a $ 33.75 million three-year pact with the Browns, including $ 24 million guaranteed, and was arguably the best security in the market after guys like Justin Simmons Marcus Maye, and Marcus Williams they all received a franchise tag from their respective teams.
Johnson’s AAV of $ 11.25 million currently has him as the eighth highest paid safety in the NFL. Shortly before he signed with Cleveland, we learned that the Lions, Eagles and Jaguars were chasing him, so it’s possible one of those teams offered him the bigger contract.
The Rams chose not to tag him for financial reasons, but Johnson has been a really good player since entering the league in third round in 2017. He played every moment for a defense in Los Angeles that was the best in the league last season. and won’t be until December 26th. Johnson will start next to the second round of 2020 Grant Delpit or Ronnie Harrison in 2021.
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