Former Lamar Jackson teammate sends bold message to the NFL ahead of 2025 season

Once a very dangerous weapon in Pittsburgh, WR Diontae Johnson saw 2024 as a reputation-destroying season. He played for three teams, starting in Carolina, passing through Baltimore and Lamar Jackson and ending the year in Houston. Now with the Cleveland Browns, Johnson is a man on a mission to remind the NFL of his talent.

For a receiver, playing for the likes of Lamar and C.J. Stroud sounds like a dream. For Johnson, it was a nightmare. After a promising start to the season in Carolina, he deluded a bit, but Baltimore traded for him. He then struggled to get snaps and make an impact. His time in the Ravens was very conflicted and he got cut. 
For Houston, he barely appeared and threw a tantrum in the Wild Card round that cost him the job.

Now in Cleveland, Johnson stated to ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi that he will move on. He said, “last year is last year. I’m trying to change that narrative and move the right way and keep going.” Johnson will be one of the weapons for the Browns, who are yet to define who their QB1 will be.

Is Diontae Johnson a good weapon to have?

If healthy and focused, he definitely is. Johnson excelled in Pittsburgh because he is a prolific route runner with the ability to gain very good separation in short routes. In a slant route, his first step is key and he does it very well.

Diontae Johnson #18 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up prior to a game against the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland

Of course, having other wideouts is good for the Browns. Alongside Johnson, the Browns will line up Jerry Jeudy, who is coming off a very productive season, and Cedric Tillman, who is a reliable receiver to have as well. We could be looking at a deep, above average WR corp if Johnson regains his level.

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Who will throw for Johnson and company?

As we said before, it’s not clear yet. While Shedeur Sanders has shown good accuracy and timing in OTAs and minicamp. The other rookie, Dillon Gabriel, has been threading the needle and shown a great arm. The veteran Joe Flacco is the more experienced guy in the room and is NFL proven. As for Kenny Pickett, he has been the less-talked about QB.

The Browns need to settle who their starting QB will be soon. As a receiver, it’s tough to train when you don’t even know who will be battling in the gridiron with you once the season starts. With the Browns looking to have a positive season for a change, many names have something to prove. Whether it’s in the QB battle, or maligned players looking to step back into the spotlight, Cleveland has many do-or-die stories this year.