5 LA Rams players who are unlikely to return in 2021

Safety

The word is out among NFL teams that a top-tier safety talent is about to test the NFL Free Agent Market. And the rumors are true. Safety John Johnson III is a hot name buzzing among the NFL teams right now. For good reason too, as he is very good at a myriad of skillsets that are critical in virtually any NFL defense’s success.

John Johnson III is Pro Bowl-caliber, and he is one of the premier free agents available in the 2021 NFL Free Agency market. Right now, the highest-paid safety is Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker at $14.75 million / year.  You should expect Johnson to break that mark, perhaps by a significant amount.

Johnson is a young player who has demonstrated his ability to excel in two different defensive schemes, to call coverages in a very complex system, and to fill the needs of the defense in a number of diverse roles.  He is strong, adept, agile, can tackle, shed blockers, cover receivers, and blitz the quarterback. And he can be had for the highest bidder.

The LA Rams could use their franchise tag to re-sign him for one more year. But Johnson wants to earn big money, and he deserves it. The market will heat up for Johnson simply between the LA Chargers, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Las Vegas Raiders. But I won’t be surprised if the Detroit Lions make a strong bid for JJIII.  Then there are a half dozen or so of other NFL teams speculated to show a strong interest.

John Johnson III won’t depart because the Rams haven’t any interest in re-signing him. Rather, the Rams have a fixed budget that will fall terribly short. If anything, JJIII won’t return because the NFL has too much interest in him. He is one of the most coveted and premier players available this offseason. The expectation is that he will set a record for NFL safety contracts this year.  The sad part is that it won’t be with the LA Rams.