CLEVELAND, Ohio – Browns general manager Andrew Berry was thrilled to get a quality starter at John Johnson III free security agency.
The Browns’ main target, Berry described Johnson in a statement provided by the team as a player who “does not normally reach the free agent market”.
Signed a $ 33.75 million three-year deal, Johnson will start in security as opposed to choosing the 2020 runoff Grant Delpit if the latter is 100% healthy, with Ronnie Harrison entering into three-security packages.
If the Rams hadn’t ended up with $ 22.2 million in dead space after switching Jared Goff to Matt Stafford, they probably would have rehired Johnson, a third-round pick in 2017 from Boston College. Instead, they re-signed with rusher Leonard Floyd for a $ 64 million four-year deal and let Johnson and cornerback Troy Hill sign with the Browns.
“We thought [Johnson] it was one of the most versatile safety devices in the NFL, ”said Berry. “He can play with free security, strong security and he can play in the penny box. His breadth of skills that he brings to the table, that he can play cover of man, he can play in the central field, he can support the race and really do everything at a very high level. It is perfect for what we want to be as a defense.
“In addition, you have your intelligence and your natural leadership. This is something we’re always looking to add to the mix, and we feel lucky that it’s available. “
Johnson was this year’s version of the right tackle Jack Conklin – the free agent’s No. 1 target, who will have to transform his side of the ball.
“The general mindset of joining the free agency any year is to try to be opportunistic and address the improvement of all areas on the list,” said Berry. “I think we were in a position where we had enough flexibility from the point of view of the limit, where if we felt that there was a player in line with our needs, if his skill set corresponded to what we want to do in our scheme and fit the profile of smart, strong, responsible, young, durable, so we can go aggressively and attack that player.
“After that, I think … the way we navigate the free agent market is to try to be opportunistic buyers. I think this is something that we were really able to accomplish with the guys that we added. “
Here’s what Berry had to say about the other free agents the Browns hired.
Takkarist McKinley Ex-Raiders
1 year, $ 4.25 million, $ 1 million signing bonus, $ 3.5 million guaranteed
The Browns tried to acquire McKinley four times last season, once through negotiation with the Falcons and three times through an exemption cable. As McKinley said during his press conference, the fifth time was charm. McKinley, 25, is determined to put his career back on track after falling out of favor with the Falcons and not being rehired by the Raiders.
If he ends up succeeding with Myles Garrett, it will be a great deal. If he is part of the rotation, he will be worth the money. The Browns also brought choice No. 1 Jadeveon Clowney in 2014 for a visit on Wednesday, and will consider hiring him if he recovered from surgery to repair a torn meniscus.
“We see Takk as a young top player with a very high engine,” said Berry. “He has speed, he has strength and he is fast. He really plays with his hair on fire. He had a very strong career start and I know that in the last few years he has dealt with some injuries, but we think his playing style and skill set matches very well with what we are looking for from our defensive ends in this system, and he is a guy that we think really has many advantages and fits perfectly with what we want to do in the defensive line. “
Ex-Rams nickel corner Troy Hill
2 years, $ 9 million, $ 3.5 million signing bonus, $ 4.5 million on average and guaranteed
Hill, who turns 30 in August, replaces Kevin Johnson and is expected to update the position. As a full-time first-time starter in 2020 for NFL defense # 1, Hill led the league with three defensive touchdowns, two in interception returns and a fumble return. Playing mostly on the slot machine, he made 77 tackles in his career record and intercepted three passes.
Born in Youngstown, Ohio, Hill can also start outside in place of Greedy Williams or Denzel Ward, if necessary.
“Troy is a versatile corner that played both in and out,” said Berry. “He is a smart football player who can play man coverage, zone coverage, turn the ball and is a safe defender. We all saw it as a big part of the defensive success in Los Angeles last year and, for us, the ability to have a corner that can play at a high level both inside and out gives us a lot of flexibility with who we currently have on the list and who we can add in the future. “
Ex-Colts LB Anthony Walker
1 year, $ 3.5 million
Walker, 25, was hired to replace the middle linebacker, BJ Goodson, while speeding up the position. Almost like a field coach, Walker tirelessly studied films and distributed notes to his teammates. Caller of the ‘green dot’ sign, he was a leader that teammates like All-Pro Darius Leonard mourned for his departure. Walker will probably start at the base defense and will be on the nickel field with Jacob Phillips. He can cover his back from the defense and play on both the weak side and the middle.
“The name of Anthony’s game is really speed and instincts,” said Berry. “He is one of the fastest linebackers in the league. It is a very fast and very intelligent processor. We think he’s a guy whose range and tenacity fit in very well with how we see the modern linebacker. We also think he is a good cover, specifically with his ability to match the running backs of the backfield.
“Much like John Johnson, moreover, he has a veteran level of experience. He called the defense in Indianapolis and played against Mike and Will. He is an exceptional human being on and off the field and will have a very strong presence in our locker room. “
Former Eagles DT Malik Jackson
1 year, ($ 4.5 million, by Josina Anderson)
Jackson, 31, was hired to go deeper and bring a little warmth to the middle. Jackson produced six double-digit seasons on QB in his nine-year career, including 13 last season with the Eagles. Originally a pick of the Broncos’ fifth round of 2012 outside the USC, Jackson spent the 2019 season in Philadelphia while Andrew Berry was there, and a season in Denver with Joe Woods.
Jackson and McKinley play with high-speed engines and should be able to help shake up the QB.
“What we like most about Malik is his ability to impact the quarterback as an interior striker,” said Berry. “He played three techniques and what we call the ‘Big End’. But what we love about it is its extension, speed and tenacity as an interior rusher to give us one more presence in situations of passing over guards and centers. “
Former Cowboys OT Greg Senat
1 year, undisclosed
Senat started the 2020 season on the Browns’ training team, but was hired by the Cowboys for their active roster and played in 10 games, mostly on special teams. A pick of the Ravens’ sixth round in 2018, he spent most of his first two seasons on the IR with the Ravens and Chiefs. Senat will provide depth in place of Kendall Lamm, who signed with the Titans.
“He is a very talented tackle physically who is still new to the sport,” said Berry. “We think he made a lot of progress in our training team last year and we tried our best to retain him when Dallas hired him for the active team. We feel fortunate to be able to bring him back with Bill Callahan and Scott Peters and add him to the mix to compete for our fourth tackle job. We think he’s a very talented guy physically. He is very studious and works hard, and fits the profile of guys who usually get along well with us ”.
Their own free agents, including WR Rashard Higgins, LB Malcolm Smith and K Cody Parkey.
“We are all very excited to have guys like Rashard, Malcolm, JoJo (Natson) and Cody and guys like that back because it doesn’t always work that way,” said Berry. “These guys played an important role for us last year and we are looking forward to seeing the role that they will play for us in 2021.”
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