NFL News: Green Bay Packers Named Top Destination For Elite Safety

NFL News: The Green Bay Packers are going to look much different in 2023.  Their roster got a massive overhaul this off-season and has set in motion a new era.  Between the Aaron Rodgers trade and numerous veterans signing elsewhere, the Packers have all of a sudden become one of the youngest teams in the NFL.  In fact, the Packers only have three players over the age of 30 on their roster.  Punter Pat O’Donnel (32), left tackle David Bakhtiari (31), and outside linebacker Preston Smith (30).

With the influx of youth on the roster, adding veteran leadership is something any team would consider.  As it turns out, the Packers have been named the top destination for an elite free agent Safety.

Green Bay Packers Named As Best Destination For Free Agent Safety John Johnson III (NFL News)

Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus named one move each NFL team should make this summer. For the Packers, it was signing free-agent safety John Johnson III:

“Johnson didn’t have a great second season with the Browns, with his 17 missed tackles the most of his career by nearly double, but he was playing behind a porous defensive line and has bounce-back potential in him.

Johnson is a rangy defender who can play all over the field and could be a major bargain this late in free agency.”

Veteran Safety John Johnson III has been linked to the Green Bay Packers multiple times during the 2023 off-season.  Even after the signing of Safety Jonathan Owens, the position remains a huge question-mark for the team going into 2023.  Johnson would bring more veteran experience to the position.

How Would John Johnson III Impact The Green Bay Packers Defense?

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur spent one year in Los Angeles with Johnson, his rookie season in 2017. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry was the Rams’ assistant head coach and linebackers coach for Johnson’s entire four-year stay in Los Angeles.  Johnson’s success with the Rams came in a similar system to the Packers’. He has 80 career starts across six seasons and could immediately contribute to one of the Packers’ concerns on defense.

While he wouldn’t necessarily become a first-team All-Pro like Campbell in 2021, Johnson could be another affordable free-agent signing for the Packers in June who becomes a key starter immediately.In four of the last five years, Johnson played at least 900 snaps.  His availability has been incredible during his time in the NFL. When with the Rams, Johnson was excellent in coverage and considered an above-average run defender. According to Pro Football Focus, he broke up 22 passes, intercepted eight more and produced 88 stops while playing in the box, at free safety and even some in the slot.

Johnson paired with Johnathan Owens and Darnell Savage would be a massive improvement.  The Packers’ pass rush figures to be a strength this year, getting just average safety play would do wonders for their defense.

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