Why Diontae Johnson Matters for the Browns:
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Elite Route Running: As noted by ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi, Johnson ranks first in ESPN’s open score since entering the league in 2019. That stat alone shows how consistently he creates separation—an invaluable trait for a team that often leaned heavily on the run.
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Complement to Jeudy and Tillman:
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Jerry Jeudy offers experience and leadership.
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Cedric Tillman provides size and physicality and is still developing.
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Diontae Johnson brings nuanced route running, quickness, and the ability to get open even against top corners.
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Potential to Balance the Offense: With Johnson now on board, the Browns might be able to shift away from their run-heavy identity and move toward a more balanced attack, especially if Deshaun Watson returns to form.
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Flexibility and Depth: His presence gives Cleveland flexibility in how it structures its receiver sets—whether Johnson plays inside or outside, his ability to get open quickly can be a safety valve for Watson and a threat in third-down situations.
Challenges to Watch:
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Inconsistency: Johnson has struggled at times with drops and staying productive over a full season. If those issues persist, it could limit his impact.
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Chemistry: Building timing and rapport with Watson will be key, especially given the crowded and competitive receiver room.
Outlook:
If Johnson can recapture his Pro Bowl-level play, this move could turn the Browns’ WR corps from a question mark into a strength. With Jeudy, Tillman, and now Johnson, Cleveland has a well-rounded trio of receivers—each with a distinct skill set. Johnson’s ability to “get open at will” could prove to be the glue that ties it all together.
Diontae Johnson has built a strong reputation as one of the NFL’s premier route runners since entering the league in 2019. According to ESPN’s “open score” metric, which measures a receiver’s ability to get open, Johnson ranks first among all players during that span. This ability makes him a nightmare for defenders in one-on-one coverage and a valuable asset in any offensive system that relies on timing and precision.
For the Browns, this acquisition is especially important considering their recent reliance on the ground game. Over the past few years, Cleveland has leaned heavily on running backs like Nick Chubb and Jerome Ford, often due to limitations in their passing attack. By bringing in a receiver with Johnson’s skill set, they may finally have the personnel needed to open up the playbook and keep defenses honest.
Johnson’s presence will also impact the development of young receiver Cedric Tillman. Tillman showed promise in his rookie season, flashing potential with his size and physical style of play. However, his route tree is still developing, and having a seasoned technician like Johnson around can only help accelerate his growth. The mentorship and competition could be crucial in raising the overall standard of the wide receiver room.
One of the more intriguing dynamics this season will be how the Browns balance targets between Jerry Jeudy, Johnson, and Tillman. Jeudy is expected to be the WR1, but Johnson’s ability to consistently get open could lead to him becoming a reliable second option—or even a primary target on key downs. This added dimension could bring much-needed unpredictability to Cleveland’s offensive approach.
Diontae Johnson’s ability to thrive in short and intermediate routes should mesh well with quarterback Deshaun Watson’s strengths. Watson has historically been most effective when operating in rhythm, and Johnson’s quick separation off the line can help keep the quarterback out of trouble and maintain the tempo of drives. In an offense looking to regain balance, this is a major plus.
Of course, Johnson isn’t without flaws. His inconsistency—particularly when it comes to dropped passes—has been well documented. He had a notably poor stretch in 2022 where he failed to find the end zone and struggled with reliability. The Browns are gambling that a change of scenery, paired with a fresh offensive system, will allow him to regain his Pro Bowl form.
That gamble might be worth it. At his best, Johnson has shown the ability to be a game-changer. In Pittsburgh, he consistently faced top corners and still produced over 85 catches in back-to-back seasons. With the right coaching and chemistry, he could help elevate Cleveland’s entire offense—not just by making plays himself, but by drawing attention away from Jeudy and tight end David Njoku.
This move also suggests the Browns are trying to become less predictable. In the past, defenses could key in on the run and force Cleveland into tough passing situations. Now, with three legitimate wide receivers who offer different skill sets—Jeudy with his route smoothness, Johnson with his sharp cuts and separation, and Tillman with his size—the Browns have more tools to challenge defenses vertically and horizontally.
Moreover, Johnson’s fit within new offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey’s system will be worth watching. Dorsey’s offense in Buffalo thrived when it featured multiple quick-read, route-savvy receivers. Johnson could play a similar role to what Cole Beasley or Gabe Davis did in that offense, offering Watson a go-to target when under pressure or in need of a quick release.
In the end, Cleveland’s success with this move will hinge on Johnson’s consistency and Watson’s ability to take advantage of it. If Johnson can maintain focus and stay healthy, there’s no reason why he can’t be a highly productive piece in a potentially potent passing game. His arrival adds flexibility, experience, and a new layer of route-running polish to a group that sorely needed it.
Ultimately, the addition of Diontae Johnson is more than just a roster move—it’s a statement of intent. The Browns are signaling that they’re ready to shift toward a more modern, balanced offense. If it all clicks, Cleveland could surprise a lot of people with a passing game that finally matches the potential of its defense and run game.