Browns release Diontae Johnson ahead of roster deadline
The Cleveland Browns cut veteran wide receiver Diontae Johnson ahead of Tuesday’s roster deadline, ending his one-year contract with the team after a largely uneventful preseason. Johnson signed with Cleveland in the offseason but failed to make a strong impression during camp and preseason play.
Johnson’s NFL journey has been a circuit of short stops and midseason moves. He was originally a standout in Carolina before being dealt to Baltimore on Oct. 29, where he showed steady production in limited opportunities. The Ravens later claimed him off waivers from Baltimore two days before a Christmas matchup with the Ravens last season, with Johnson giving the Texans 38 offensive snaps across Week 18 and their wild-card win over the Chargers, finishing his Texans tenure with three receptions for 24 yards.
A turbulent stint with Baltimore included a suspension and a period when the team and Johnson agreed he would stay away from the facility after a dispute, ultimately leading to Johnson not playing in Baltimore’s 24-19 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He was suspended after reportedly refusing to enter the game when Rashod Bateman was injured.
Johnson’s backstory with Baltimore included a strong start in Carolina, where he led the Panthers in receptions (30), receiving yards (357), and three touchdown catches through the first seven games before being traded to Baltimore. The Ravens sent a fifth-round pick to Carolina for Johnson and a sixth-round selection, and Baltimore covered most of Johnson’s remaining salary, reducing the cost to around $625,000 for the Ravens.
What this means for Cleveland: the Browns will clear a roster spot and move on from a player who hadn’t delivered the production the team was likely hoping for after inkling him to a one-year deal. For Johnson, this sets the stage for a potential fresh opportunity with another team in need of veteran depth and experienced playmaking in the passing game.
Summary and outlook: Johnson has shown flashes as a playmaker at times and possesses NFL-level talent and versatility. A new opportunity elsewhere could unlock a rebound season, provided he lands in a system that fits his skill set and minimizes the fit-and-figure challenges that marked his recent stops. If he finds a suitable landing spot, Johnson could still contribute as a depth option and special-teams contributor, bringing veteran presence to a new locker room.
Editor’s note: This move underscores how rosters are constantly shifting at the NFL level, especially around the deadline window, as teams balance depth with development and cap considerations.