Sources confirmed to ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Tuesday that the Cleveland Browns are parting ways with veteran wide receiver Diontae Johnson.
Johnson appeared to acknowledge the news with a brief post on X, writing, “Appreciate the opportunity regardless.”
Johnson entered the league as a third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and spent his first five seasons with the Steelers. His best campaign came in 2021, when he caught 107 passes for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns over 16 games, earning his first Pro Bowl nod.
The Browns acquired Johnson on a one-year, $1.7 million contract back in April. The veteran wideout had already been on the move multiple times, starting with a trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Carolina Panthers last offseason, followed by another deal that sent him to the Baltimore Ravens in October. His stint in Baltimore was short-lived—he was released in December before being picked up by the Houston Texans just three days later. Houston eventually cut ties with him as well in January.
Last year, Johnson appeared in 12 contests, finishing with 33 receptions for 375 yards and three scores. Across his career to this point, he has totaled 424 catches, 4,738 receiving yards, and 28 touchdowns through 89 games.
Cleveland’s receiving corps currently features Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, Jamari Thrash, Isaiah Bond, Kaden Davis, and Gage Larvadain. The Browns will kick off their regular season at home against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 7 at 1 p.m. ET.
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