After a rollercoaster 2024 season, Diontae Johnson received virtually no interest in free agency until he landed in Cleveland last month.
Johnson said at mandatory minicamp that the Browns were “the only team to hit me up,” per Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot.
The lack of suitors for the veteran wide receiver makes sense after tumultuous stints in Baltimore and Houston at the end of last season. He averaged 51.0 yards per game for the Panthers before being dealt to the Ravens at the trade deadline, where he only saw five targets in his first four games.
Rashod Bateman‘s Week 13 injury should have been an opportunity for Johnson to seize a bigger role. Instead, he refused to enter the game, leading to a one-week team suspension and his eventual departure from Baltimore. The Texans tried their luck by claiming Johnson on waivers, but he also seemed dissatisfied with his target share despite the team’s playoff victory over the Chargers.
Houston waived Johnson as well, and after being briefly re-claimed by the Ravens for compensatory pick purposes, he hit free agency with significant questions about his ability to adjust to new teams.
The Browns could use some experience at wide receiver behind Pro Bowler Jerry Jeudy, but Johnson’s veteran-minimum salary should set low expectations for his contributions in Cleveland. He’s been able to produce in the past, but he will have to prove he can be a reliable teammate to earn playing time.