NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported, barring a trade, the Browns will release safety John Johnson III at the start of the league year.
Johnson, 27, was entering the final year of his three-year contract he signed in 2021. It’s a move that’ll save Cleveland $9.7 million in cap space, although they’ll eat $3.7 million in dead money.
The 49ers currently don’t have a free safety. Tashaun Gipson had a career-year, but he’s a free agent. San Francisco doesn’t intend to pay Jimmie Ward safety money, leaving a void at the position.