Rams re-sign veteran safety John Johnson after successful return last season

Veteran safety John Johnson has re-signed with the Los Angeles Rams after his successful return to the team last season.

On Thursday, the Rams announced a new deal for Johnson, who was a third-round draft pick in 2017.

Johnson served as a starting safety for the Rams during his initial four seasons in the NFL. Following his game-winning interception in overtime against New Orleans in the NFC championship, he made six tackles in the Super Bowl in February 2019, where Los Angeles lost to New England.

In 2021, Johnson departed for a profitable free-agent agreement with Cleveland. He came back to Los Angeles last summer after two seasons as a starting player for the Browns.

Johnson started the previous season as a substitute, but ultimately reclaimed his initial position. With two interceptions and 42 tackles, he assumed a leadership role in the Rams’ novice defense.

Los Angeles overhauled its secondary in the offseason, signing safety Kamren Curl from Washington and adding cornerbacks Tre'Davious White and Darious Williams — another former Rams defensive back returning to the team.

Johnson is likely to compete for playing time this upcoming season with third-year pro Russ Yeast and rookie Kamren Kinchens.

The Rams open training camp July 23 at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.