Cleveland, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns have secured a one-year contract with wide receiver Diontae Johnson, marking a significant move as the team looks to bolster its receiving corps. This agreement follows Johnson’s official visit to the Browns earlier this week, emphasizing Cleveland’s urgent need for veteran talent after an uneventful draft in terms of wide receiver selections.
At 28 years old, Johnson has had a tumultuous recent season, playing for three different franchises: the Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens, and Houston Texans. He initially made an impact with the Panthers, leading the team with 30 receptions and 357 receiving yards in the first half of the season. However, his journey took a turn when he was traded to the Ravens, a deal that also involved a sixth-round draft pick.
During his brief tenure in Baltimore, Johnson did not find success, catching only one pass for a mere six yards before receiving a one-game suspension for opting out of a December matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. After being released by the Ravens, Johnson was claimed by the Texans in late December but managed only two receptions for 12 yards in his game appearances with Houston. His frustrations boiled over after being limited to just 15 plays in a playoff victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, leading to his release in mid-January.
Interestingly, Johnson’s saga continued when the Ravens took a chance on him again, attempting to fit him into their compensatory pick strategy. However, since he signed with the Browns after the NFL Draft, this approach will not materialize.
In light of having not drafted a wide receiver, the Browns have actively sought to enhance their offensive options this offseason. Currently, Jerry Jeudy is the lone player on Cleveland’s roster to have recorded over 50 receptions in a season, underlining the team’s pressing need for experience. Although the Browns did sign veteran DeAndre Carter, his background primarily as a return specialist raises questions about his role in the receiving game.
Elijah Moore, who finished second on the team with 538 receiving yards last season, remains a topic of interest. Reports indicate that the Browns have placed an unrestricted free agent tender worth $3.428 million on him, allowing for potential negotiations even after his visit with the Buffalo Bills. If he does not sign with another team before the tender deadline, Moore will be restricted to a return to the Browns.
Johnson, a third-round pick from the 2019 NFL Draft, previously showcased his talents with the Pittsburgh Steelers, accumulating 391 catches for 4,363 yards and 25 touchdowns throughout his career. His breakout performance came during the 2021 season, which featured a Pro Bowl selection and a career-high eight touchdown receptions, all while quarterback Ben Roethlisberger wrapped up his tenure with the team.
This new chapter with the Browns presents Johnson an opportunity to regain his footing in the league as he aims to reclaim his status and contribute to a team in need of reliable receiving options.