Entering the offseason, the Los Angeles Rams had clear needs across their defense as they had multiple veteran players eligible for free agency.
The secondary took a hit after Jordan Fuller left in free agency to the Carolina Panthers, while Ahkello Witherspoon remains unsigned despite a strong 2023 season as one of the Rams’ starting outside cornerbacks. However, Los Angeles did well to address those gaps as they brought back Darious Willams on a three-year deal as well as brought in Tre’Davious White on a prove-it one-year arrangement.
The front office didn’t stop there, though, as they also brought back John Johnson III for his third stint with the franchise. Johnson was a late addition to the roster last year, but this time around landed back on the team ahead of training camp.
Johnson signed a one-year contract and details of the deal were revealed, via Howard Balzer of CardsWire:
The 1-year contract signed by Rams S John Johnson III is worth $1,377,500 and has $750,000 guaranteed that includes a $135,000 signing bonus.
— Howard Balzer (@HBalzer721) July 11, 2024
It’s a solid deal for someone like Johnson, who is familiar with the system in Los Angeles even though Chris Shula is taking over as defensive coordinator. Shula has already said that he plans to keep most of the system and scheme intact, meaning that Johnson should have little trouble getting acclimated on the field.
Bringing back Johnson ensures that the secondary has some continuity as the Rams have typically been willing to allow safeties to walk in free agency and replace them via the NFL Draft. Although Johnson might not be the Pro Bowl-level player he used to be, he’s still a consistent tackler who can also fare well in coverage in certain matchups.
Joining Johnson in the defensive backfield are Russ Yeast, Quentin Lake, Kamren Curl and Kamren Kinchens, who are all versatile pieces that Shula can move around in different alignments. Johnson might be a candidate for the “Star” position in the defense, though Shula will toy around with different options when training camp kicks off.
Regardless of what his role ends up being, Johnson is a good piece to have for the 2024 season.
Rams’ Braden Fiske to workout with Aaron Donald
The defensive line was the biggest need on the roster after Aaron Donald retired, and the Rams addressed it by drafting both Jared Verse and Braden Fiske.
Fiske, in particular, is set to step up into Donald’s old role, though the rookie will be getting help as he is set to train with the future Hall of Famer in the offseason.
