Nov 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Cleveland Browns helmets on a time out against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Cleveland Browns WR Raises Eyebrows With Questionable Decision

Originally posted on Cleveland Browns on SI
By Matthew Schmidt | Last updated May 30, 2025 9:00 AM ET

The Cleveland Browns somehow did not select a wide receiver in the NFL draft in spite of the fact that they had no genuinely proven talent behind Jerry Jeudy.

After the draft, however, the Browns signed Diontae Johnson, who has a Pro Bowl season on his resume, but also played for three different teams last season.

Johnson has had some behavioral issues in the past, which is a major reason why he has bounced around so much. Couple that with his declining production, and you can see why so many were skeptical about Cleveland's decision to add him.

Well, those same cynics were sort of vindicated this week, as Johnson failed to show up for the Browns' first round of organized team activities.

#Browns WR Diontae Johnson was among those not at the voluntary OTA No. 2 today, the only one this week open to the media. Kevin Stefanski reminds everyone that it’s voluntary.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) May 28, 2025

Yes, organized team activities are fully optional, but for someone who really, really needs to make a good impression with his new squad after such a horrendous 2024 campaign, this wasn't a good look.

Johnson actually has a legitimate chance to become Cleveland's No. 2 receiver behind Jeudy. He will be battling with Cedric Tillman for that role, and while Tillman displayed flashes last season, the jury is still entirely out on the former third-round pick.

Case in point, Johnson has a golden opportunity on his hands right now, and he hasn't exactly grabbed it by the horns from the jump.

The 28-year-old caught 33 passes for 375 yards and three touchdowns last year. He made the Pro Bowl back in 2021, but that feels like eons ago at this point.

This article first appeared on Cleveland Browns on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: