Broncos free agency: 5 safeties to target if Kareem Jackson is not back

2. John Johnson, Los Angeles Rams (age: 25)

The Los Angeles Rams have made so many bold moves in recent years that they are going to have to say some tough goodbyes elsewhere on their roster in order to get under the lowered salary cap for 2021.

If John Johnson hits unrestricted free agency at the age of 25, he would almost undoubtedly be one of the most hotly pursued players in the entire crop.

Johnson, incidentally, was once the teammate of Broncos safety Justin Simmons when the two. were starring at Boston College. How good of a recruiter are you, Justin?

In his first and only year under defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, Johnson was moved all over the formation as a free safety, box safety, and slot player. He racked up 105 total tackles this past year along with eight passes defended and an interception.

Johnson would represent an obvious long-term investment at the safety position and likely would require a similar deal to whatever the Broncos end up giving to Justin Simmons. Could they justify paying two safeties that amount of money?

Given the team is moving in the direction of the NFL Draft at the cornerback position in the first two rounds in addition to free agency, it’s not out of the question to invest heavily here.

The possibility of reuniting Simmons and Johnson at the NFL level is a fun one, as expensive as it would be. The Broncos undoubtedly would have to consider this if Johnson became available given the fact that Johnson played in a defense under Staley this past season that will be very familiar to him should he make the move to Denver.