The Redskins took another step in re-building their secondary today, and signed former Seattle Seahawks safety Jeron Johnson. He was with the Seahawks from 2011 until 2014, and backed up Pro Bowl strong safety Kam Chancellor.
Johnson tweeted the news early Monday afternoon, and the NFL’s Ian Rapoport confirmed and tweeted out the details of the deal – two years, $4 million.
It's official I found me a new home!! #HTTR
— Jeron Johnson (@Jus_Showoff) March 16, 2015
The #Redskins are signing safety & ST Jeron Johnson to a 2-year deal worth $4M, source said. He visited this weekend.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2015
Johnson only had one start in Seattle, but was a special teams mainstay. He appeared in 46 games, and had 43 tackles, and two forced fumbles. The Redskins don’t have the venerable Chancellor on their roster, or anyone like him, so Washington likely has every intention of giving Johnson a shot at starting. Plus, Scot McCloughan knows what he has in Johnson first hand, from his time in Seattle – he was a senior personnel executive when Johnson made the team as an undrafted free agent.
With last year’s starters gone (Ryan Clark retired and Brandon Meriweather was let go), Johnson isn’t likely the last safety addition that the Redskins will make. Despite his inexperience, he may prove to be the best one.
McCloughan’s fifth free agent decision, is his fifth defensive acquisition. All shrewd. All low key. All young guys. All guys that can help make the Redskins a better ball club.
Hail to the Redskins!