Polarizing Browns free agent in driver's seat for starting job in 2025

Jarrett Bailey

Polarizing Browns free agent in driver's seat for starting job in 2025 image

Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Cleveland Brown took a flier on former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson, signing him to a one-year deal to potentially add something to their very thin wide receivers room. The former Pro Bowler is coming off a disaster of a 2024 season.

He was traded from Pittsburgh to the Carolina Panthers last March, with the hopes that he could become the top target for Bryce Young. Instead, he was traded again at the trade deadline, this time to the Baltimore Ravens. After a falling out over playing time, Johnson was released. He then briefly signed with the Houston Texans before being let go once again. Now he's in Cleveland with the opportunity to right some wrongs and get his once very promising career back on track. And according to Zac Jackson of The AthleticJohnson is in prime position to earn a starting job with the Browns.

"Given his experience and production, Johnson is the clear favorite to win the slot receiver job," Jackson writes.

Johnson has 424 career receptions for 4,738 yards and 28 touchdowns in his career. If he can keep his head on straight, he should be able to have a bounce-back season and earn himself a solid pay-day.

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Jarrett Bailey

Jarrett Bailey is a freelance NFL writer for The Sporting News. He previously wrote for USA TODAY Sports Media Group, The 33rd Team and Pro Football Network. Enjoyer of chocolate milk, metal music, Batman, pasta salad, and pro wrestling. There is nothing more breathtaking than a Jeff Hardy swanton bomb.