Chargers News: LA Likely to Pursue Safety John Johnson III Following Release

Johnson looks to have immediate home following departure from from Cleveland.

It appears that Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Stanley could be welcoming back a familiar face later this week. Browns safety John Johnson III, who Stanley coordinated during his Rams tenure in 2020,  is set to be released by the Cleveland Browns once free agency starts and the Chargers are looking to speak to him as soon as possible.

This news was first provided by Sports Center's Jeremy Fowler.

The #Chargers are expected to pursue safety John Johnson III, who will be released by the #Browns this week, per source. That would reunite Johnson with Brandon Staley from their Rams days.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 13, 2023

Johnson has consistently recorded over 100 tackles each season and has provided solid defense for each of the rosters he has been apart of in his five seasons in the NFL. The relationship he built with Stanley could prove as a motivating factor for him to sign with LA as he had one of his most productive campaigns while playing under him.

Nasir Adderley is one of LA's current starting safety's but he is a pending free agent and reportedly looking for a bigger deal. Johnson could slide in to his spot while also not taking up as much of the cap space.

Here are some fan reactions to the reported interest:

Him and Derwin will go crazy

— 𝓛𝓾𝓬𝓴☘️⚡️ (@BrendenRiceStan) March 13, 2023

Johnson just wasn’t used right. He’s still good

— Chubbs (@ChubbTrain12) March 13, 2023

JJ over Nasir is a major upgrade!!!

— Pablo Martinez (@pmartinez1216) March 13, 2023