Diontae Johnson Reveals Brutal Truth After 'One Bad Year'

Not too long ago Diontae Johnson looked to be on the rise in the early stages of his career. The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Johnson in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft and the receiver saw incremental growth his first few seasons. 

That led to his best campaign yet in 2021 when he finished with 1,161 receiving yards on 107 receptions with eight touchdowns. But at the same rate he reached his peak, he fell down the mountain before he was out of Pittsburgh after the 2023 season. 

The Steelers traded him to the Carolina Panthers before the start of last season. That partnership did not work out and the Panthers flipped him to the Baltimore Ravens. 

Once again, Johnson struggled to find his way and was eventually released after refusing to enter a game in Week 13. An even shorter stint with the Houston Texans to end the year would bring his third and final dismissal from a team in a span of weeks.  

All this calamity, dating back to some issues with the Steelers as well, left Johnson's future in serious doubt. He had not heard from a single team during the offseason until the Cleveland Browns gave him a call. 

Thankful for the opportunity, Johnson explained to reporters last week that he hopes to capitalize on it. 

"You know...I'm thankful just to get another opportunity...control what I can control and make the most of my opportunities."

Despite the mistakes and frustrations last season, Johnson claims that those bumps in the road will not define him going forward. 

“It’s one bad year. I had five great seasons in Pittsburgh,” Johnson said. “That doesn’t define me as a player, my character, none of that.”

The Browns would certainly benefit from Johnson getting back on track in 2025. While the team sorts through a crowded quarterback depth chart, they need dependable pass catchers in place for whomever gets the nod under center. 

Jerry Jeudy stepped into the No. 1 receiver role with grace, posting the best numbers of his career in 2024. But the Browns need a stronger support system behind Jeudy and a revitalization of the Johnson of years past would go a long way in that regard.