Cleveland’s offensive line overhaul continues. After trading for Tytus Howard and giving the ex-Texans first-rounder an extension, the Browns are turning to another former first-rounder to continue their makeover up front.
Zion Johnson is joining the Browns on a three-year, $49.5MM contract, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. The four-year Chargers starter will see $32.4MM guaranteed on the deal. Chargers GM Joe Hortiz‘s Combine comments seemed to point Johnson out of Los Angeles, and arguably this market’s top guard is heading to Ohio.
PFR’s No. 8-ranked free agent, Johnson spent four seasons with the Bolts. They declined his fifth-year option in 2025, with the Hortiz-Jim Harbaugh regime turning the Tom Telesco draftee into a contract-year player. Rumblings about a big market ensued, even though Johnson has not been viewed as a high-end guard just yet. But durable guards with high draft pedigrees regularly see big money in free agency. Considering some of the deals thrown around at this position in recent years, the Browns may have a bargain with the Boston College alum.
More to come.