What's next for WR Diontae Johnson after latest release?

It continues what has been a wild journey for the 29-year-old over the past three seasons, where he has been a part of five different franchises — the Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans and most recently, the Browns. 

After being selected by the Steelers in the third round of the 2019 draft, Johnson's career began with such promise. He was not only the team's top pass-catcher for a few years, but was at times an electrifying playmaker that combined elite route-running with big-play potential.

His best season came in 2021 with the Steelers when he caught 107 passes for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns, and was named to his first and only Pro Bowl.

Instead of building on that breakout season, things rapidly declined not only in terms of Johnson's production but also his standing with Pittsburgh and its coaching staff. Drops, sideline and locker room feuds and overall inconsistent play resulted in him being traded to the Carolina Panthers before the 2024 campaign.

With the Panthers struggling and Johnson again showing frustration, he was traded to the Ravens just before the trade deadline in October 2024.

After refusing to enter a game, Baltimore suspended him late in the season before ultimately releasing him. That resulted in Johnson joining the Texans for two games, where he was again released.

With the Browns releasing him on Tuesday, Johnson has now been traded two times and released three times in less than three seasons. 

Will another team give him an opportunity?

Many clubs need wide receiver depth, and at his best, Johnson has been a productive player and is a precise route-runner with a knack for getting open and finding soft spots in an opposing defense.

However, his flaws seemingly outnumber those positives. Johnson does not consistently catch the football; he tends to give up ground and run backwards on plays in an effort to make a bigger play, and he has now worn out his welcome with several different coaching staffs and organizations. 

It only takes one coach and team to think they can get the most out of a player. Even if Johnson lands somewhere else soon, it is hard to imagine him being more than just a depth player at this stage of his career.