Diontae Johnson: Everything you need to know

The Browns released Johnson on Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Johnson got extensive playing time this preseason, mostly with the second- and third-string offenses, but caught just two of six targets for 19 yards. He also failed to earn a meaningful role in Baltimore and Houston during the second half of last season, after enjoying a volume-fueled run of production for Carolina earlier in 2024. Jamari Thrash is the favorite for Cleveland's No. 3 receiver job in Week 1, behind presumed starters Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman.

Johnson failed to catch either of his targets during Friday's 30-10 preseason win over the Panthers. The veteran wideout got the start but wasn't on the field for long and failed to connect with Shedeur Sanders during the Browns' first two drives of the night. Johnson's main competition for the No. 3 receiver role, Jamari Thrash, also only saw two targets but showed more chemistry with Sanders by hauling both of them in, albeit for only nine yards. Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman are locked into the top two spots on the wideout depth chart, and the 29-year-old Johnson is coming off an awful 2024 campaign which saw him bounce through three different organizations without making much impact. He'll need to do more with his opportunities if he's going to get his career back on track.

Johnson made an "impressive diving catch" during practice in training camp Monday, Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal reports. Per Easterling, Monday was Johnson's best day of training camp so far, as he also made a "nice catch" on an out route, gathering in a throw from rookie QB Dillon Gabriel. Johnson had a tumultuous campaign last year, particularly after being traded from Carolina to Baltimore in late October, and he ended up with the worst numbers of his career across stints with three different clubs. The veteran wideout is looking to get back on track and has an opportunity to nail down the No. 3 receiver role behind Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman.