Diontae Johnson is coming off a tumultuous season but he’s eager to put it behind him with the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns signed Johnson this offseason, bringing in the polarizing former Pro Bowler on a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum ($1.17 million).
Johnson was traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Carolina Panthers in March 2024. He appeared in seven games for Carolina before being dealt to the Baltimore Ravens.
Following an incident in which he refused to enter a game, the Ravens released him, and the Houston Texans subsequently claimed him. Johnson finished the season with 33 catches for 375 yards and three touchdowns — 30 of those receptions came during his stint with the Panthers.
Now in the AFC North again, Johnson will get two chances to take on the Steelers and Ravens. He has the matchups with his former squads circled on his schedule.
“Yeah, yeah,” Johnson said on Wednesday. “You know that. I’m looking forward to them, for sure.”
Diontae Johnson Feels ‘In Form’ Despite Missing OTAs
Johnson was absent from voluntary OTAs, which turned heads considering his situation and the fact that the Browns can cut him with virtually no repercussions. He said Cleveland was the only team to contact him this offseason with an opportunity. Johnson is eager to change the narrative.
“I don’t want to speak on a lot of stuff,” Johnson said. “Everybody’s going to have their opinions, you know what I’m saying? So at the end of the day, I’m the only one in that room that really know what’s going on. They’re entitled to their own opinion, so I can only go off of what I know and then try to go off what I put out there and my best effort. But like I said, last year is last year. I’m trying to change that narrative and move the right way and keep going.”
Diontae Johnson Could Be Steal for Browns
Johnson has his back against the wall when it comes to his NFL future, and the Browns might represent his final chance to revive a once-promising career. But that urgency could also bring out the best in him.
“I’m still in that form,” Johnson said. “It’s just a matter of whenever I get my opportunities to put it on film.
“Just play and make the most of my opportunities when I get in. Cheer my teammates on, be a great teammate, stuff like that.”
Browns head coach, Kevin Stefanski, has been encouraged by Johnson’s early progress, praising the veteran wideout for how he’s adjusting to the offense.
“Diontae’s doing a nice job,” Stefanski said Tuesday. “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.”
With Jerry Jeudy entering the season as the Browns’ clear-cut No. 1 receiver following a Pro Bowl campaign, the competition behind him remains wide open. Johnson will be battling for a key role alongside Cedric Tillman, David Bell, Jamari Thrash, and Michael Woods II in a young and largely unproven receiver room.
Browns minicamp continues through Thursday.
