Kevin

Johnson

Johnson started six games for an injured Browns secondary last season. He signed a one-year deal with Tennessee in March but wasn’t needed after they drafted Caleb Farley with the No. 22 pick. Johnson, a 2015 first-rounder, had 191 tackles, an interception, and 22 pass breakups over his six-year career. Still only 28, it’s possible Johnson sits out this season before making a 2022 comeback.

The Titans completely flipped their cornerback depth chart this offseason, but their starting lineup looks set now. Johnson and Janoris Jenkins will line up on the perimeter while Kristian Fulton starts at slot corner. Overall, it’s an average group, although it could struggle against No. 1 receivers if Johnson is treated as the No. 1 corner. The Titans need their pass rush to click this year to have a chance holding up against the pass. It didn’t last year.

Kevin Johnson was also activated from the COVID list. Getting both players back comes at a good time with CB Robert Jackson going on IR with a hamstring injury. The Browns will try to limit Tyreek Hill with a healthy Ward in Sunday’s Divisional Round matchup with the Chiefs, with Johnson resuming his role in nickel packages.

Starting CB Greedy Williams (shoulder) has also been ruled out. It’s a nightmare for Cleveland’s season opener as the team will travel to square off against the divisional foe Ravens’ offense, which returns 10-of-11 starters from last season’s historic unit. Note that third-string CB M.J. Stewart (hamstring) is also questionable for Week 1.

Cleveland’s defense will go into Week 1 at way less than full strength and Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Stewart, acquired last month off waivers, missed nearly two weeks of practice with a lingering hamstring issue. He was limited in Thursday’s practice. The Ravens excel in exploiting defensive weaknesses. This sets up for another massive opening game for Jackson and the Baltimore pass catchers.

The team announced another player fell on Johnson during practice. It’s unclear when Johnson, who signed a one-deal deal with the Browns in March, will be able to return to the team.

Another $2.5 million is available through incentives. Johnson should slide right in as T.J. Carrie’s replacement in the slot. The ex-Texan finally stayed healthy in Buffalo last season, appearing in all 16 games for the first time since 2015. Johnson is on the big side for a slot corner.

Johnson is free to sign immediately because he was released before the start of free agency. Concussions limited Johnson to just 65 snaps last season, and he is arriving in Buffalo with a lengthy injury history even beyond that. The No. 16 overall pick of the 2015 draft, Johnson has made just 19 appearances over the past three years. If he can get healthy, he would be an intriguing potential starting option alongside Tre’Davious White.

Johnson met with Buffalo and Cleveland earlier this week. He would be a fit with the Jets, but needs to show teams he’s healthy after multiple concussions last year. Johnson will likely settle for a prove-it deal.

Johnson has already met with Buffalo since his release from the Texans. The oft-injured Johnson is healthy but he has a concerning concussion history. Johnson should be open to one-year offers.