Grading the signing: Browns’ first offensive line move of free agency is one they need to work out, but there is real worry on that happening
Grading the Cleveland Browns’ free agency signing of G Zion Johnson from the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Cleveland Browns took a few hours to get going but they finally struck their first deal of free agency on Monday afternoon.
Cleveland has to address the offensive line in free agency and they’ve started doing just that. The Browns agreed to terms with former Los Angeles Chargers guard Zion Johnson on a three-year deal worth $49.5 million with $32.4 million guaranteed.
Grading the expected signing of G Zion Johnson for the Brown
Cleveland needs one guard at least and potentially two if LG Joel Bitonio decides to retire. The fact that Johnson played the last three seasons at left guard feels like it could be a small hint toward Bitonio hanging it up. Johnson did play right guard as a rookie, but if he does in 2026 it’ll be something he hasn’t done since his rookie season in 2022.
The Browns are getting a former first-round pick out of Boston College who stands at 6-foot-3 and 316 pounds. Johnson is a strong run blocker and a very poor pass protector, so you’re getting a mixed bag with his ability. Johnson was second in the NFL in run block win rate during 2025 with 79.3 percent.
On the flip side, Johnson ranked as the fifth-worst guard in pass block win rate at 87.4 percent. For a Browns team that struggled protecting the passer last season, the pass-blocking ability of Johnson is something you hoped was better.
Johnson had just four penalties called on him in 2025, which is a strong number since he’s still a young player at 26 years old. Cleveland has Johnson under contract through the 2028 season, in what should be his prime.
Good free agent offensive line options are scarce and the Browns undoubtedly just signed one of the best available. The pass blocking ability is a real worry, but his ability to be a strong run blocker is needed with Quinton Judkins entering Year 2. It’s no secret that new head coach Todd Monken is going to want to pound the rock.
Cleveland now has two players locked in as starters along the offensive line with Johnson and Tytus Howard set to be the right tackle after coming over from the Houston Texans in a trade last week. The Browns could come out as real winners with this signing if Johnson takes a step forward as a pass blocker, but that’s wishful thinking more than anything, until it isn’t.
Final grade: C+
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