Despite signing a contract with the Cleveland Browns this offseason, they could still cut wide receiver Diontae Johnson before the 2025 regular season. According to a report, Johnson could find himself on the roster bubble as he hasn’t been able to impress the team during a joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles and dropping several balls throughout his time with the team. Given his history of going through the Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans and back to the Ravens, it feels more like he’s a liability than an asset for this team. It’s no surprise to why the Browns gave Johnson a chance, as they have other athletes like veteran Deshaun Watson and rookie Isaiah Bond, despite the ongoing off-field issues.
While the Browns want to bring out the best in NFL players to grant them a revival in their careers, it’s hard to do that in Cleveland, where the team is back to square one. Originally selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Toledo product was hoping to have a resurgent career in Cleveland, but other young receiving options like Kaden Davis have been putting on a clinic during the preseason. This is why the source believes the Browns should part ways with Johnson and put their focus on their rising talents. Johnson won’t get the best contract anymore for the rest of his career unless he has a breakout season.
Report: Browns May Cut NFL Journeyman Diontae Johnson
Best Fits
Kansas City Chiefs
If any team could change around an athlete’s career, it’s the Kansas City Chiefs. Diontae Johnson is only getting older, but it doesn’t mean he won’t have something in the tank if he gets the right looks on offense. With Rashee Rice facing a long suspension, Johnson could be a reliable offensive weapon that Patrick Mahomes can eye other than Marquise Brown and Xavier Worthy. Johnson doesn’t need to be exceptional, but enough to get open in the deep threat.
Dallas Cowboys
This wouldn’t be a surprising move from the Dallas Cowboys since they love taking chances on low-risk talent like Johnson, who hasn’t been the most productive in recent memory. After losing Jonathan Mingo, they could be in the market for a receiver to salvage this entire department that already contains CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens and Jalen Tolbert. Johnson probably won’t last in this offense for more than two seasons at minimum, but the Cowboys could roll the dice on him to see what he might be able to do until Mingo returns for the 2025 season.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints have one of the youngest receiving groups in the league between Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. After signing veteran Brandin Cooks, it seems like the Saints are trying to keep a mix of both young and older talent to help Spencer Rattler stretch the field. Johnson is getting up there in age, so he could pair with Cooks in the cross routes and help him get open in situational moments.
Los Angeles Chargers
Just like the Saints, the Los Angeles Chargers are building a new wave of offensive weapons for their quarterback, Justin Herbert. Between Ladd McConkey, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Tre Harris and Keenan Allen, the Chargers would have a better receiver outlook if they get one more veteran to help the young corps. Quentin Johnston and Jalen Reagor are on the brink of a release this season, so the Chargers should take a shot on Johnson.
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