ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Jarret Johnson will take a pay cut to stay with the team for the upcoming season. Johnson was scheduled to make $4 million in non-guaranteed base salary in 2014, and $5 million in base salary in 2015.
Johnson signed a four-year, $19 million deal, including $10 million of guaranteed money, to join the Chargers in the March 2012. The Alabama product is considered one of the team leaders on defense and has been pretty durable throughout his career.
However, Johnson missed five games in 2013 with hamstring and hand injuries. Johnson turns 33 in August.
The Chargers already executed a couple cost-cutting moves to prepare for the start of free agency, releasing fullback Le'Ron McClain and defensive backs Derek Cox and Johnny Patrick, along with restructuring the contract of veteran receiver Eddie Royal.