John Johnson III was a visitor at Rams training camp on Sunday but he wasn’t just there to spectate practice. It appears he was also considering a deal with his former team.
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Rams are signing Johnson to a one-year deal. Jake Ellenbogen reported the signing first on Monday. The terms of the contract were not released but it’s unlikely to be for a significant amount, given the timing and the Rams’ reluctance to spend much this offseason.
Johnson, 27, was released by the Browns this offseason after two years with the team. He started his NFL career with the Rams, spending four years in Los Angeles after being a third-round pick in 2017.
Safety John Johnson III signing a one-year deal to #Rams, per source. Back to where he started. @JKBOGEN on it.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 7, 2023
Johnson played 32 games with the Browns the last two years, recording 162 tackles, one sack, four interceptions and three forced fumbles. During his four years with the Rams, he had two 100-tackle seasons and picked off eight passes, including four in 2018 alone.
He never made the Pro Bowl but Johnson was a major part of the Rams’ defense from 2017-2020, helping punch their ticket to the Super Bowl with an overtime interception against the Saints in the 2018 playoffs.
Johnson joins Jordan Fuller, Russ Yeast, Quentin Lake, Jason Taylor II and the Rams’ other young defenders at safety, bringing a veteran presence despite still only being 27 years old.
