Detroit’ Lions recently hosted former Los Angeles Rams safety John Johnson as they explore ways to fill the void left by Brian Branch, who is out for the season with a torn Achilles.

Johnson, a former third-round pick of the Rams, stands out because Lions general manager Brad Holmes played a key role in selecting him back in 2017. At the time, Rams GM Les Snead recalled Holmes’ enthusiasm for Johnson when Detroit Free Press covered the story:

> “Brad was really sold on John Johnson. We’d reached the late third round, and the players at positions we needed were mostly gone. You can either pick a player out of need or go with someone you strongly believe in. Brad said, ‘We take Johnson, we’re never looking back. He’s going to be great.’ And honestly, you had to listen to that judgment.”

Johnson went on to have a solid run with the Rams, starting 11 games as a rookie with 75 tackles, 11 passes defended, and one interception. Over the next three seasons, he started 37 more games before signing a three-year, $33.75 million deal with the Cleveland Browns in 2021. Holmes reportedly attempted to bring Johnson to Detroit in 2021, his first year with the team, but the Browns outbid the Lions.

Johnson spent two seasons in Cleveland before being released due to salary cap considerations, then returned to the Rams for two more seasons in a backup role. Across his career, Johnson has appeared in 105 games, starting 89, with totals of 562 tackles, 48 passes defended, and 15 interceptions.

However, Johnson has been out of the league since 2024 following a hairline scapula fracture in Week 2. He returned late in the Rams’ playoff run but played just four snaps in the Wild Card game. Additionally, he faced a three-game suspension during the 2025 season for undisclosed reasons.

Meanwhile, the Lions signed free-agent safety Damontae Kazee to their practice squad on Monday, suggesting he may currently be the team’s preferred option over Johnson. When asked about handling the safety position without Branch—especially with Thomas Harper (concussion) and Kerby Joseph (knee) still recovering—Lions coach Dan Campbell did not mention Johnson.

> “Avonte Maddox stepped in recently and did a fantastic job. He played with heart and versatility, covering both nickel and safety positions. We’ve got DT and Hallett as options, and we’ll see where Kerby is in practice. We also signed Kazee, so we have options,” Campbell said.

Even so, a Johnson signing remains possible, and given Holmes’ previous admiration for the player, it shouldn’t be ruled out.