Browns plan to release starting safety at start of league year
The Browns have made their first cut of the offseason after starting 2023 nearly $19 million over the salary cap.
Cleveland announced that it will release safety John Johnson III at the start of the new league year, barring a trade, in order to save $9.75 million.
One of just two Browns to have 100+ tackles this season and just 27 years old, Johnson III should find some interest on the market.
The six year veteran also had two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one interception and four passes defensed. He will likely be heading to his third team after spending the first four seasons of his career with the Rams.
Although Johnson III had a solid 2022 season, he did have 17 missed tackles, a 21.5 percent missed tackle rate.
However, there are no hard feelings on either side and Johnson III is looking forward to his next opportunity.
"I appreciate the Cleveland Browns for the opportunity," Johnson said via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. "The city is truly one of a kind. I wish that I could've done more while here; however, I know that my best ball is ahead of me. I pray great things for my former teammates."
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