Chargers Lose Target Free Agent Safety to Cross-Town Rivals

John Johnson is coming to LA, but not with the Bolts

The Los Angeles Chargers had a chance to bolster their secondary with free agent safety John Johnson III; however, if they wanted him before, there's no shot of getting to him now.

According to multiple reports, Johnson III will be heading to LA, but with the Rams, not the Chargers. 

John Johnson III is coming back to L.A.

The Rams' 2017 third rounder is signing a one-year deal pending a physical after a stint with the Browns, sources tell @JourdanRodrigue.https://t.co/1VCDZ8MDPg

— The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) August 7, 2023

The 27-year-old spent the first four seasons of his career with the Rams. He then left them for Cleveland, where he spent the last two seasons, and he will now head back to LA in a one-year deal. 

The Chargers were among the favorites to sign Johnson, but even with a suspect secondary, the LA front office didn't bother pulling the trigger. The Bolts must like what they have now, and we'll see how it plays out for them. 

The safety will be heading into his seventh NFL season, and in it, he's collected 512 tackles, one sack, 41 pass deflections, 12 interceptions, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. 

Unfortunately, the Brandon Staley and Johnson reunion won't happen, but at least we can put it behind us and focus on the season at hand with the group of guys at camp.