In a move that could reshape their offensive strategy, the Cleveland Browns have officially signed free agent wide receiver Diontae Johnson to a one-year contract. The agreement was confirmed on Monday, April 28, 2025, following Johnson's visit with the team earlier that day. This marks Johnson's third team in the AFC North, having previously spent five years with the Pittsburgh Steelers and part of the last season with the Baltimore Ravens.
Johnson, 28, has had a tumultuous journey through the NFL, bouncing around to four teams in just one calendar year. He began the 2024 season with the Carolina Panthers, where he made a significant impact early on, leading the team with 30 receptions and 357 receiving yards in the first two months. However, his fortunes quickly changed when he was traded to the Ravens in late October, a move that saw him exchanged for a sixth-round draft pick.
His time in Baltimore was short-lived and fraught with controversy. Johnson lasted only seven weeks with the Ravens, during which he caught just one pass for six yards. His refusal to take the field in a crucial Week 13 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles led to a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team. Following his suspension, Johnson was waived by the Ravens on December 20, 2024.
Just three days later, he was claimed by the Houston Texans. However, his stint in Houston was equally disappointing, as he managed only two catches for 12 yards in one game before being waived again on January 14, 2025. The Ravens briefly reclaimed him off waivers, likely as a procedural move to potentially secure a compensatory draft pick in 2026, but he ultimately became a free agent this offseason.
Now, Johnson joins a Browns team that has struggled with offensive consistency in recent years, particularly at the quarterback position. With Deshaun Watson still recovering from an Achilles injury and Joe Flacco, who turned 40 in January, as the most experienced quarterback on the roster, Johnson's addition brings a much-needed veteran presence to the wide receiver corps.
In his career, Johnson has amassed impressive statistics, with 424 receptions for 4,738 yards and 28 touchdowns since being drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2021 after posting career highs in receptions (107), receiving yards (1,161), and touchdowns (eight) during quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's final season.
The Browns have been actively looking to bolster their receiving options this offseason, particularly after not selecting any wide receivers in the recent NFL Draft. General manager Andrew Berry acknowledged the need for improvement in this area, stating that the entire roster is a work in progress and that the team will explore various options to enhance their offensive capabilities.
Currently, the Browns' wide receiver room includes Jerry Jeudy, who had a standout season last year with 1,229 receiving yards, and Cedric Tillman, who showed promise before a concussion cut his season short. Johnson's experience and skill set could prove invaluable as the Browns seek to maximize their offensive output.
As the Browns look to rebound from their struggles, Johnson's signing is seen as a potential turning point. With a fresh start in Cleveland, he has the opportunity to revitalize his career and contribute significantly to a team eager to improve its fortunes on the field.
While Johnson's past season was marred by instability and controversy, the Browns are hoping that he can find his footing in their offense and help lead them to greater success this fall. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on how Johnson integrates into the Browns' game plan and whether he can reclaim his status as a top-tier receiver in the league.
In the ever-changing landscape of the NFL, Diontae Johnson's journey continues, and with the Cleveland Browns, he has a new chapter to write. Will this be the fresh start he needs to return to form? Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the season unfolds.
