Browns Sign Diontae Johnson With Perfectly Clear Warning

It’s rare for a 28-year-old former Pro Bowl wide receiver to be a journeyman at this stage in his career, but that is exactly how the NFL tenure of Diontae Johnson has unfolded. 

After agreeing to a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns last week, Johnson will be playing for his fifth team over the course of three seasons. According to ESPN’s Field Yates, Johnson’s contract is worth the veteran minimum of $1.17 million for the 2025 season.

But here's the kicker and why Johnson is walking on thin ice. ...

Johnson’s contract doesn’t have any guaranteed money, and the Browns can cut ties with him at any time. 

This current contract is vastly different from the two-year 36.7 million extension he signed before the 2022 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Johnson was on the precipice of becoming one of the league’s elite wideouts when he tallied 107 receptions, 1,161 yards, and eight touchdowns during his third season in the NFL.

Where did he go wrong?

Johnson has worn out his welcome with every team he’s been a member of in the league. Pittsburgh traded him to the Carolina Panthers, and Carolina shipped Johnson to Baltimore after just seven games during the 2024 season.

Johnson’s Baltimore era was brief and a complete disaster.

He refused to enter a game due to being dissatisfied with his role on the team. This led to Baltimore waiving Johnson and him signing with Houston where he only appeared in one game.

Yes, Johnson played for three teams last season. Crazy, right?

What would be even crazier is if the former third-round pick squanders another opportunity to play football at the highest level. Johnson has a legitimate chance to make Cleveland’s final roster, and hopefully he is ready to rise to the occasion.

And along the way? The Browns and the NFL just gave him 1.17 million non-guaranteed reasons to pay attention to his own warning signs.