Browns Rumors: Bengals' Jessie Bates III Targeted as John Johnson III Replacement

The Cleveland Browns are expected to pursue Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III as a replacement for John Johnson III, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

Browns general manager Andrew Berry said Tuesday the team will release Johnson when the new league year starts March 15.

Johnson was likely to be released or traded this winter because of his $13.5 million cap hit for 2023, according to Cabot.

If the 27-year-old is released with a post-June 1 designation, the Browns will save $9.75 million in 2023, per Spotrac. Cleveland will incur a dead-cap charge of $3.75 million in 2023 and $8.85 million in 2024.

"I appreciate the Cleveland Browns for the opportunity," Johnson told Cabot. "The city is truly one of a kind. I wish that I could've done more while here; however, I know that my best ball is ahead of me. I pray great things for my former teammates."

Johnson signed a three-year, $33.75 million contract with the Browns ahead of the 2021 campaign. Over two seasons in Cleveland, he posted four interceptions, nine pass breakups, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one sack and 162 tackles in 32 games.

As for Bates, he's slated to become an unrestricted free agent. However, the Bengals could franchise-tag the veteran safety or trade him to a franchise other than the Browns.

Cincinnati has some difficult roster decisions ahead. The team's 2024 free-agent class is expected to be massive with Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd eligible for new deals.

Cabot reported that Bates will likely receive a deal worth at least $14 million per year. The Browns remain interested despite the price tag because "he's the caliber of impact safety" they are looking for to replace Johnson.

The Bengals selected Bates in the second round of the 2018 draft out of Wake Forest, and he's had a solid career in Cincinnati. One of his best seasons came in 2020 when he posted three interceptions, 15 pass breakups, one forced fumble and 109 tackles in 16 games en route to a second-team All-Pro selection.

Last year, the 26-year-old posted four interceptions, eight pass breakups, one forced fumble and 71 tackles in 16 games.

If Bates signed with the Browns, he'd join a secondary that includes Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome II, Grant Delpit and Martin Emerson Jr.