The Cleveland Browns have officially released veteran wide receiver Diontae Johnson as part of their final roster cuts ahead of the 2025 season. Johnson, who signed a one-year, $1.17 million deal with no guaranteed money in April, had hoped to revive his career in Cleveland after bouncing between multiple teams over the past two years. The Browns made the decision to part ways as they trimmed their roster to 53 players, leaving Johnson back on the open market.

Recent NFL Journey

Johnson’s NFL path has been turbulent since departing the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2021 and posted his only 1,000-yard season. After a trade to the Carolina Panthers, Johnson saw brief stints with the Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, and then the Browns, often battling for a consistent role and dealing with roster instability. His production dipped during a drama-filled 2024, as he managed career lows and faced questions about his consistency and fit with different teams.

Outlook

Despite recent challenges, Johnson remains just 29 years old and is not far removed from his days as a reliable target and key contributor in Pittsburgh. His experience and skills could make him a valuable addition for teams seeking depth at receiver, especially as injuries arise during the extended season. For now, Johnson is searching for his next opportunity, hoping to turn a new page as the regular season approaches.