News broke that the Cleveland Browns intend to move on from John Johnson III by the start of the new league year on March 15th. General manager Andrew Berry would later confirm the reports during his press conference at the scouting combine. Things just didn’t work out for Johnson in Cleveland after they asked him to do things that weren’t his strengths in Los Angeles.
With Johnson moving on the need for a new safety and a true free safety is evident for the Browns. There are players in free agency that can fill the need let’s look at three free agents that would be upgrades for what the Browns need in 2023 at the position.
Juan Thornhill, Kansas City Chiefs
The team needs a true free safety strong in coverage to pair with Grant Delpit and Kansas City’s Juan Thornhill would be a great target. Not a superstar Thornhill will be cost-effective saving the team money to use at other positions while replacing John Johnson.
Thornhill has good instincts as a deep safety and moves sideline to sideline with good ball skills to make a play on the ball when it’s in the air. Not as effective in run defense as in coverage Thornhill still has the skills to make plays and prevent explosive runs.
Jessie Bates, Cincinnati Bengals
If the Browns are looking for a big-time signing targeting Jessie Bates of the begins is the way to go. He is arguably the best coverage safety on the market and would be a perfect fit based on team need as a deep free safety. The Browns already have reported interest in finding a way to poach the star from the division rival.
As good as Bates is as a coverage player his impact in the run game last season was even bigger. He only missed seven tackles all season and his play recognition is on an elite level with the speed to make the most of it.
Rodney McLeod, Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colt’s safety Rodney McLeod is an underrated free agent in this year’s class. A veteran player that will be 33 next season McLeod showed in 2022 that he still has plenty in the tank. PFF gave McLeod an 85.3 coverage grade last season while he only allowed 9.3 yards per reception.
Though he isn’t the strongest run defender at the position he isn’t a liability only having seven missed tackles last season. McLeod should be one of the more cost-effective options while still providing an upgrade in coverage.
