Next up on our 2021 review of the Browns’ unrestricted free agents is CB Kevin Johnson.
How and When He Joined the Browns: Johnson was a 1st round pick by the Texans back in 2015, which still makes me do a double take when I think about that. He signed a 1-year, $3.5 million deal with the Browns in March 2020 as a free agent.
Productivity Level Last Season: A lacerated liver derailed Johnson’s offseason with the team, but he was able to debut in Week 3 and played most of the season. He finished the regular season with 34 tackles, 0.5 sack, 3 quarterback hits, 3 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. He had 5 tackles in one postseason game.
Why Keeping Him Could Make Sense: Johnson didn’t have a full offseason with the Browns last year, so we could see an improved version of him in 2021 if he were to re-sign.
What the Browns Should Do: Unfortunately, I struggled to come up with something positive for Johnson in the section above. I think he was more stable than Tavierre Thomas or M.J. Stewart at the nickel position, but he was still a big disappointment. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the 101st cornerback in the NFL, and with a below average grade. He didn’t seem worth the 1-year, $3.5 million deal he received a year ago, and I don’t see Cleveland offering that again to him. The nickel position is a valuable one, and one that Cleveland should actually consider investing good money in during free agency if they find the right fit — just not with Johnson.
Let us know below whether or not the team should try to re-sign Kevin Johnson.