Browns Sign Controversial Free Agent From Division Rival

Diontae Johnson, Cleveland Browns, Agree to Contract

Diontae Johnson is coming off one of the worst contract seasons in recent memory. Originally joining the Carolina Panthers via an offseason trade, the wide receiver recorded 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns during seven games with the club. However, he got on the organization’s bad side and the Panthers traded him to the Baltimore Ravens for next to nothing at the trade deadline. Now paired with an elite quarterback in Lamar Jackson for the first time in his career, Johnson had the opportunity to show what he could do in a high-octane offense.

Instead, the wide receiver crashed and burned in his new home. Appearing in just four games while catching one pass for six yards, Johnson grew frustrated with his role and ultimately refused to play in Baltimore’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Ravens cut him shortly after this outburst and he quickly landed with the Houston Texans. The wide receiver appeared in the regular season finale, recording two receptions for 12 yards. However, he reportedly caused a disturbance following the team’s playoff win over the Los Angeles Chargers, and Houston cut him ahead of their AFC Divisional game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Baltimore claimed the wide receiver, but they only did it for the potential of a compensatory pick. Johnson was ineligible to play for the remainder of the postseason and ultimately finished his season on a low note.

While Diontae Johnson had a season to forget, it’s worth noting that he can play well when properly motivated. During his five seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the veteran recorded 391 receptions for 4,363 yards and 25 touchdowns on 639 targets while making the Pro Bowl in 2021.