Browns sign former Chargers OG Zion Johnson to 3-year deal

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 11: Zion Johnson #77 of the Los Angeles Chargers walks off the field during halftime of an AFC wild card playoff football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Chargers will now be in the market for two new offensive guards this offseason.

Per NFL insider Adam Schefter, former Bolts left guard Zion Johnson has reached an agreement on a three-year, $49.5 million deal with the Cleveland Browns. Johnson has been with the Chargers the past three seasons, playing both left and right guard for the team since being drafted in the first round of the 2022 draft (Boston College).

Former Chargers G Zion Johnson reached agreement today on a three-year, $49.5 million deal including $32.4 million guaranteed with the Cleveland Browns, per his agents Alan Herman and Jared Fox. pic.twitter.com/295cu8Dh2r

- Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2026

The Chargers made their first move towards revamping their offensive line by signing center Tyler Biadasz who was recently released by the Commanders. After filling the pivot spot, the Bolts will now look to find their new left and right guards, whether that's in free agency, the NFL Draft, or both.

General manager Joe Hortiz continues to stay conservative with his spending and Johnson being allowed to walk at that price likely gives us an idea on how much he's willing to spend on a starter. Knowing that Johnson was going to be near the top of this free agent class, he'll now likely pivot to a cheaper veteran for one of the vacancies while filling the other via the draft.