John Johnson III expected to be released by Browns on March 15

On Feb 28, 2023

Cleveland Browns safety John Johnson III tackles New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)

INDIANAPOLIS — The one player who was always expected to be a potential cap casualty for the Browns is going to be one by March 15.

A league source confirmed to the Beacon Journal Tuesday that the Browns intend on releasing safety John Johnson III when the league year begins on March 15, unless they can negotiate a trade involving him first. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo was the first to report.

General manager Andrew Berry is scheduled to meet with the media at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis at 1 p.m. No doubt the future on Johnson will be among the topics he’s asked about in that session.

Johnson was owed $9.75 million on the final year of his contract, although that money was not guaranteed. He carried a $13.5 million cap hit, which is why he was always seen as the No. 1 candidate to get released in order to open up some room for the Browns under the cap.

The question with regards to Johnson prior to Tuesday was whether or not he would be released with a post-June 1 designation. That would’ve cost a mere $3.75 million against the cap while creating $9.75 million in cap space.

Johnson was the big free-agent splash signing when the league year opened in March 2021 after having spent his first four years in the league with the Los Angeles Rams. He initially signed a three-year, $33.75 million deal with the Browns.

Over 32 games in two seasons, Johnson never quite became the play-making safety the Browns hoped he would be when they signed him. He had three interceptions and a forced fumble in 2021, but just one pick and two forced fumbles last season.