Browns’ Diontae Johnson’s Role Unclear in Offense originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Cleveland Browns are clearly focused on solving the quarterback situation this offseason, but there are other pressing needs on the offense, too.
One of the biggest battles in training camp will be at wide receiver, particularly after the team shipped off Amari Cooper last year.
To hopefully help out the passing game, the Browns brought in six-year veteran Diontae Johnson, who spent 2024 with three different teams.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski discussed Johnson’s past and what the team expects from him this season.
“Diontae [Johnson]’s a veteran that’s played at a high level. We’ll see as he gets involved more. These OTAs will be really good for him because this system is new for him,” Stefanski said. “But I’m excited about the skillset and he’s got to obviously prove it to us and he’s excited to do that.”
While Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman are the favorites for the top two receiver spots, the No. 3 guy is certainly in question. Johnson should be the one filling it, but there is some doubt about him. The Athletic’s Zac Jackson thinks Johnson’s contract status could mean he’s not necessarily a lock to even make the team.
“Diontae Johnson signed a one-year deal with Cleveland after the draft, and given his experience and production, Johnson is the clear favorite to win the slot receiver job,” Jackson wrote. “But he’s been on five teams in the last 15 months and got no guaranteed money in his deal, so his role can only be penciled in for now. Ideally, the Browns would use Johnson as an underneath option to complement Jeudy’s explosiveness and move both receivers around the formation.”
The bigger problem for the Browns with regard to Johnson is his attitude. We can only hope general manager Andrew Berry knew what he was doing when he signed Johnson, not because of the money tied to his deal – there isn’t any – but because of the role they need him to play in the offense. Losing him would be a big deal at this point.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.