The Cleveland Browns are releasing safety John Johnson III when the league’s new season officially starts on March 15th. Johnson III is just 27 years old and is one of the better-starting safeties in the NFL but has become a cap causality heading into a new NFL season. The team has expressed some interest in trying to trade him before the 15th but will release him to free agency if they can not find a deal before then. By Cutting Johnson III the team will save $9.75 million and take a cap hit of $3.75 million.
The #Browns will release S John Johnson III at the start of the league year on March 15, barring a trade, sources say. Johnson was entering the final year of a three-year contract he signed as a free agent in 2021.
Still young at 27, he’ll have interest once free. pic.twitter.com/lQ9odcg5Py
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 28, 2023
This past season with the Cleveland Browns, John Johnson III recorded 70 solo tackles, 101 total tackles, 0.5 sacks, four passes defended, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one interception that he did not return for any yards. There should be plenty of teams that look to add the 27-year-old veteran safety to their roster once he becomes a free agent. A team could make a move in a trade if the price is right.
After the team made their intentions clear with John Johnson III, rumors began circulating that the team was going to make a run at Cincinnati Bengals free agent safety Jessie Bates III. That would involve the Bengals not tagging him and extending him this off-season.
Johnson III was quoted saying the following after learning he would not be on the team next season: “I appreciate the Cleveland Browns for the opportunity. 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.”
