Safety John Johnson III. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Browns plan to release starting safety at start of league year

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 2/28/23

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.

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

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.

#Browns plan to released John Johnson III on March 15th to save 9.75 mil unless they find a trade partner

Hard to bring back a Safety with a big price tag that missed 17 tackles last year
(21.5% missed tackle rate)

pic.twitter.com/Insw8MOtk9
— Mac (@tha_buffalo) February 28, 2023

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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