Browns roster is far from perfect but could see a couple of surprise departures heading to initial 53-man
Mandatory minicamp just finished for the Cleveland Browns, which only means that training camp is arriving soon. The team started on June 10th and wrapped up the camp on Thursday, June 12th, with only a couple of OTA days available until camp.
It’s a long time before now and late July, but a lot of players on the Browns roster will find themselves on the roster bubble between now and when the team comes back. Given the transition this year, there could be some surprises.
Two players come to mind when it comes to them being on the roster bubble and surprises:
WR Diontae Johnson
It’s fair to say that wide receiver Diontae Johnson is on his last chance when you talk about his NFL career. Johnson’s tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers ended on a sour note and he was eventually traded to the Carolina Panthers last season. Johnson was then dealt to the Baltimore Ravens before being released by the team, then later picked up by the Houston Texans. He was later cut by the Texans before going back to the Ravens, as an official transaction, not actually reporting to the team.
Is Johnson talented? Yes, he’s a good route runner with short quickness, but his hands can often be inconsistent:
A perfect TD pass from @andydalton14
: #CARvsLV on CBS/Paramount
: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/2XXFJuVoYc— NFL (@NFL) September 22, 2024
Receiver Diontae Johnson is here on the first day of #Browns minicamp pic.twitter.com/mjr3mcdXAo
— Ashley Bastock (@AshleyBastock42) June 10, 2025
Kevin Stefanski on Johnson after yesterday’s practice: “Diontae’s doing a nice job. Obviously getting up to speed with terminology and those types of things, and I think we’ll just continue to work. But it’s good to have him out here.” https://t.co/EnNjnSgd6w
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) June 11, 2025
Johnson could be a contributor if he stays on the right track but if he were to slip up, the Browns won’t hesitate to move off him.
LB Jordan Hicks
It would be a surprise, but possible. Linebacker Jordan Hicks has been a reliable addition since the team signed him last season. Considering the Browns timeline and how the team isn’t near contention any time soon, could the Browns move off Hicks and embrace the youth movement? Hicks is the glue guy in the room and Cleveland would be wise to not move off of someone like him.
Considering how the room will be missing Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah for the entire season, the team might not be able to afford to lose any key member of the room that has some form of veteran leadership. Solid contributor, but he could get moved due to not being in the team’s future plans and a desire to get younger players time, especially if someone offers the Browns draft capital in a trade.