Why John Johnson III has likely played his last game for the LA Rams

Reason II – Depth at the safety position:

In the past two years, the Rams have drafted three safeties. They selected Taylor Rapp in the second round at the 61st overall in the 2019 NFL Draft.  In the 2020 NFL Draft, the team selected versatile defensive back Terrell Burgess in the third round at 84th overall and doubled down by selecting safety Jordan Fuller in the sixth round at 199th overall.

The 2020 NFL Draft was deep at the safety position, and that allowed the team to add that tremendous depth at the position to the roster. This is great for the team, but not for John Johnson. In drafting Rapp, Burgess, and Fuller, all of whom have all proven that they can play at an elite level and contribute to a solid defense, the team created multiple less expensive options to fill the void of Johnson’s departure.

Johnson lost any leverage for an extension at his price. The Rams have the luxury of multiple ‘starters’ for the 2020 NFL season on their hands.  The Rams draft for future needs and have added rookies who have been plugged in and have produced very well in the Rams defensive scheme.  They also have a proven veteran safety in Johnson who knows the defense inside and out. These three players all have the potential to replace Johnson, and it is evident that was the team’s intention all along.