Coming into the offseason, the Los Angeles Rams had clear wants throughout their protection as they’d a number of veteran gamers eligible free of charge company.
The secondary took a success after Jordan Fuller left in free company to the Carolina Panthers, whereas Ahkello Witherspoon stays unsigned regardless of a robust 2023 season as one of many Rams’ beginning exterior cornerbacks. Nonetheless, Los Angeles did nicely to handle these gaps as they introduced again Darious Willams on a three-year deal in addition to introduced in Tre’Davious White on a prove-it one-year association.
The entrance workplace didn’t cease there, although, as additionally they introduced again John Johnson III for his third stint with the franchise. Johnson was a late addition to the roster final yr, however this time round landed again on the staff forward of coaching camp.
Johnson signed a one-year contract and particulars of the deal have been revealed, through Howard Balzer of CardsWire:
The 1-year contract signed by Rams S John Johnson III is price $1,377,500 and has $750,000 assured that features a $135,000 signing bonus.
— Howard Balzer (@HBalzer721) July 11, 2024
It’s a stable deal for somebody like Johnson, who’s accustomed to the system in Los Angeles though Chris Shula is taking up as defensive coordinator. Shula has already mentioned that he plans to maintain a lot of the system and scheme intact, that means that Johnson ought to have little hassle getting acclimated on the sphere.
Bringing again Johnson ensures that the secondary has some continuity because the Rams have usually been prepared to permit safeties to stroll in free company and substitute them through the NFL Draft. Though Johnson won’t be the Professional Bowl-level participant he was, he’s nonetheless a constant tackler who can even fare nicely in protection in sure matchups.
Becoming a member of Johnson within the defensive backfield are Russ Yeast, Quentin Lake, Kamren Curl and Kamren Kinchens, who’re all versatile items that Shula can transfer round in several alignments. Johnson is perhaps a candidate for the “Star” place within the protection, although Shula will toy round with totally different choices when coaching camp kicks off.
No matter what his position finally ends up being, Johnson is an efficient piece to have for the 2024 season.
Rams’ Braden Fiske to exercise with Aaron Donald
The line of defense was the largest want on the roster after Aaron Donald retired, and the Rams addressed it by drafting each Jared Verse and Braden Fiske.
Fiske, specifically, is ready to step up into Donald’s previous position, although the rookie will probably be getting assist as he’s set to coach with the longer term Corridor of Famer within the offseason.
