As the first week of NFL free agency comes to a close, the Cleveland Browns continue to bulk up on the defensive side of the ball.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Browns have signed cornerback Kevin Johnson. Per Schefter, Johnson’s contract in Cleveland is a one-year deal for $3.5 million, with incentives that could raise that figure to $6 million.
Selected out of Wake Forest in the first round (16th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft, Johnson spent the first four years of his career with the Houston Texans before joining the Buffalo Bills in 2019. Appearing in 16 games with the Bills, the 27-year-old Johnson tallied 36 tackles, 1 sack and 5 pass defenses.
In coming to Cleveland, the 6-foot-0, 185-pound Johnson is expected to fill the team’s void at nickel cornerback that was left when the Browns released T.J. Carrie earlier this offseason. Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams are currently slated to start at cornerback on the outside of Cleveland’s defense.
In addition to Johnson, the Browns have bolstered their defense with the signings of linebacker B.J. Goodson, safety Karl Joseph and defensive tackle Andrew Billings earlier this week. Cleveland first-year general manager Andrew Berry has been as equally active on the offensive side of the ball in free agency, agreeing to terms with Pro Bowl tight end Austin Hooper, offensive tackle Jack Conklin and veteran quarterback Case Keenum.
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