After a disastrous 2024 season that saw him suit up for three different teams, and get released twice, Diontae Johnson knows this may be his final shot to stay in the league.
It won’t be easy. Johnson’s rollercoaster year began with promise in Carolina, where he posted 357 yards and three touchdowns in seven games. Then came a trade to Baltimore...and an implosion.
He caught just one pass, refused to enter a game, got suspended, and was cut. A brief stint in Houston ended similarly: two catches, visible frustration, and a quick exit. He ended the season with just 375 yards and three TDs, numbers that pale in comparison to his 1,161-yard Pro Bowl campaign in 2021.
But Cleveland offers a fresh slate, and a receiver room in flux could give Johnson a chance to contribute early, especially opposite Jerry Jeudy.
Browns WR Depth Gives Johnson a Chance to Shine Again
The Browns aren’t loaded at wide receiver. Beyond Jerry Jeudy, no one on the roster has posted even 50 catches in a season except Johnson. He’ll compete with Cedric Tillman and rookie Jamari Thrash for meaningful snaps.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski has been cautiously optimistic so far, saying Johnson is “doing a nice job” learning the playbook and terminology. The challenge will be staying focused and consistent, areas where Johnson has struggled before, even back in Pittsburgh.
Diontae Johnson is out to prove the doubters wrong 😤 pic.twitter.com/lG5GRjamCm
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) June 13, 2025
His issues in 2023, including locker room clashes and effort concerns, helped lead to his offseason trade to Carolina. And yet, his natural talent has never been in question. If Johnson can put his off-field issues behind him, the Browns may end up with a low-cost, high-reward receiver who still has elite separation skills and route-running polish. The key? Maturity and buy-in.
One Last Shot to Prove He's Still a Pro Bowl Caliber WR
At 28 years old, Johnson insists one bad year doesn’t define his career. “I had five great seasons in Pittsburgh,” he said. “That doesn’t define me as a player, none of that, my character or none of that.”
Diontae Johnson Career was Sabotaged when Big Ben Retired
— OgnBurgh (@scottiloss) January 17, 2025
He had 1200 yards Wr his 3rd year in the league , was known across the league as a top 7-10 Wr in the league
Top 5 route runner
Then got stuck with Kenny Pickett..
Beginning of the end smh
pic.twitter.com/7mmkvUt13I
With Amari Cooper gone and no clear WR2 locked in, Johnson doesn’t need to be a star; he just needs to be reliable. If he can earn Stefanski’s trust, avoid drama, and stay healthy, there’s still time to write a new chapter in his career.
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