Wide receiver Diontae Johnson is looking for a fresh start with the Cleveland Browns.
It may be his last chance at the NFL level. Speaking to the media after Wednesday’s mandatory minicamp practice, Johnson made an honest admission: the Browns were the only team to reach out to him this offseason as he sat by his phone in free agency.
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There is plenty of reason for that, starting with the fact that he burned through three teams in a matter of one season just a year ago. Traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Carolina Panthers, Johnson lasted just seven games before he was traded to the Baltimore Ravens. Johnson quickly outstayed his welcome in Baltimore, leading to him becoming a healthy scratch, suspended by the team, then eventually cut.
He was then claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans. But again, a locker room meltdown following a playoff win where Johnson did not receive a target led to his dismissal from the Texans as well. The 28-year-old wide receiver was asked about what happened in 2024, but he’s ready to move on:
“Last year is last year, and I’m worried about this year.”
The Browns gave Johnson no guaranteed money. So his chances of making the final roster in Cleveland are still uphill. However, the Browns could also be sitting on found money if Johnson has learned from his tough 2024 season, as the Browns did not address the wide receiver position substantially in free agency or the NFL draft.
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We’ll see in August how Johnson looks in the brown and orange in which appears to be his last chance to make an impact at the NFL level.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns WR Diontae Johnson makes honest admission; leaving 2024 in 2024