THE NFL has handed out a punishment to a free agent just days before the start of the season.

The 29-year-old defensive back was already without a team.

John Johnson III is a free agent after his second stint with the Los Angeles Rams.

NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero announced Wednesday that he had been suspended.

Safety Johnson III will not be able to play for three games, if and when he finds a new team.

The reason for the ban is not known.

Johnson III was a third round NFL Draft selection out of Boston College in 2017.

He played for the Rams from 2017 to 2020 before becoming an unrestricted free agent.

Johnson III signed a three-year deal with the Cleveland Browns in March 2021.

His contract earned him $33.75 million with $24 million guaranteed.

But the safety was relea

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