The Cleveland Browns have been busy retooling the defense in the early portion of the offseason. GM Andrew Berry and the Browns have brought in several new faces.
Which one is the best move thus far?
According to Bleacher Report, it’s the biggest fish the Browns have landed: signing safety John Johnson. Cleveland added the Rams starter on a three-year deal worth $33.75 million to upgrade the back end of the secondary.
It’s a smart choice by Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox. In his reasoning for choosing Johnson over (among others) signing CB Troy Hill, DT Malik Jackson or DE Takk McKinley, he notes,
Johnson was largely overshadowed by Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey in the Los Angeles Rams defense, but he was an outstanding contributor. Last season, the versatile safety amassed 105 tackles, eight passes defended and an interception. He also allowed an opposing passer rating of just 71.9.
It was also smart to go with a young playmaking safety rather than an older veteran such as the 29-year-old Anthony Harris. Johnson is only 25 and can be a long-term member of the resurgent Browns.
It’s tough to argue with signing a premium starting safety, arguably the biggest position of need on the Browns defense.