The Cleveland Browns‘ secondary should be much improved in 2021, especially considering safety John Johnson III is not the only former member of the Los Angeles Rams joining the team.
An unnamed source told the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport that the Browns are signing cornerback Troy Hill to a four-year, $24 million contract.
The 29-year-old Youngstown native had three defensive touchdowns in 2020.
Hill is listed at 5-feet, 11 inches and weighs 183 pounds.
In 2020, Hill started all 16 games for the Rams, compiling 77 tackles, three interceptions, 10 pass deflections, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.
Last season, Hill played 95% of his team’s defensive snaps.
The #Browns are signing former #Rams CB Troy Hill to a 4-year, $24M deal, source said, adding to their defensive haul in free agency. The Youngstown native, who had three defensive TDs last year, returns home.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2021
Browns, CB Troy Hill agree to four-year, $24M deal. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/IVSDhZmWCv
— NFL (@NFL) March 18, 2021
Pro Football Focus gave Hill a 71.9 coverage grade in 2020, which tied for 22nd among NFL cornerbacks.
Earlier this week, reports surfaced of the Browns’ plans to sign Johnson, who has played with Hill on the Rams since 2017.
Welcome Troy Hill 🔥🔥
— McNeil (@Reflog_18) March 18, 2021
The Browns could start Hill at cornerback opposite Denzel Ward or play him in the slot if Greedy Williams can return to form.
A shoulder injury forced Williams to miss the entire 2020 season.
It’s still early in the offseason, but the Browns could have a battle between Hill and Williams for which player earns a starting cornerback position.
In 2015, Hill began his NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted rookie out of Oregon.
Hill played in three games for the Bengals in 2015 and briefly signed with the New England Patriots during his rookie season.
Since the Patriots waved Hill in December 2015, he has spent his six-year NFL career with the Rams.
In 2020, the Rams allowed the fewest total yards of offense (281.94 yards per game) and points per game (18.5 points per game) in the NFL.
The Rams couldn’t afford to keep Johnson and Hill.
As of Thursday night, OverTheCap.com listed the Rams at about $18.75 million over the salary cap, which ranks last in the NFL.
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