The Cleveland Browns cut wide receiver Diontae Johnson in what could be the final stop of his career. A third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, you only need to go back 18 months to find a time when he was widely viewed as a starting-caliber wide receiver. However, the past year and a half have been nothing short of disastrous for the Toledo product, and it’s fair to wonder if he’ll ever suit up again.
Browns Cut Diontae Johnson, Will He Play Again?
After wearing out his welcome with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2024 offseason, Mike Tomlin’s club sent him to a Carolina Panthers team that desperately needed a reliable wide receiver. Adam Thielen was aging, and at the time, the team did not have a first-round pick to support Bryce Young. Enter Diontae Johnson. The wideout was reasonably productive in Carolina, establishing a rapport with Young and veteran Andy Dalton while recording 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns in seven games. However, the Panthers grew tired of his off-field antics and sent him to the Baltimore Ravens for essentially nothing at the trade deadline.
Somehow, the Panthers ended up winning this trade, as Diontae Johnson was a complete disaster for the Baltimore Ravens. Appearing in four games, the wideout recorded just one reception on five targets for six yards. His on-field production (or lack thereof) was only part of the issue, as he also refused to enter a game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite being in the thick of the playoff race, Baltimore decided to release him late in the season.
Johnson signed with the Houston Texans, but it was more of the same. He appeared in one game, catching two passes for 12 yards, and didn’t make an impact in the playoff win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The Texans cut Diontae Johnson on January 14, 2025, just days ahead of the Divisional Round matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.
No More Chances
If there’s one thing NFL teams prove time and time again, it’s that they’re willing to put up with off-field issues if the on-field production is there. Unfortunately for Johnson, the results haven’t been present since he was a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. After flaming out with five organizations in less than two years, it’s safe to assume nobody will give him another opportunity.
There are not enough wide receivers to go around in today’s pass-happy NFL, so maybe a desperate team brings him in for a workout while finalizing their 53-man roster. However, nobody should be too surprised if he never plays an NFL snap again.
Main Photo: Jeff Lange – Imagn Images
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