Diontae Johnson is on the lookout for a recent begin after a tumultuous 2024, and Cleveland is the one place for him. Actually. Chatting with reporters this previous week, he acknowledged that the Browns have been the one group to name him. Contemplating how final season unfolded, that’s not a shock.
“Final yr was final yr, and I’m making an attempt to alter that narrative and transfer the correct approach and maintain going,” Johnson informed reporters throughout Browns minicamp. “It’s one dangerous yr. One yr. I had 5 nice seasons in Pittsburgh. One yr, that don’t outline me as a participant, my character, none of that. Like I mentioned, everyone’s gonna say what they wish to say about me. However I do know who I’m as an individual deep down, and that’s all that issues to me.”
The Steelers chosen Diontae Johnson within the third spherical of the 2019 NFL Draft. Whereas he performed 5 seasons right here, they weren’t all nice. On the entire, he was a high quality starter. However whereas there’s a purpose the Panthers traded for him in March 2024, there may be additionally a purpose the Steelers traded him.
In dumping Johnson, the Steelers did get one first rate season out of CB Donte Jackson, who intercepted 5 passes. However neither participant is with the group that traded for them at this level. In truth, Johnson is on his fourth group since, in 5 stops.
The Panthers, too, grew uninterested in Diontae Johnson, buying and selling him to the Ravens. In Baltimore, he caught one cross for six yards. On his lone catch, he did not get out of bounds on the finish of the primary half of a sport. Ultimately, his frustration mounted and he grew insubordinate, prompting his launch.
The Houston Texans claimed Johnson off waivers, for whom he caught all of two passes. He did see snaps in Houston’s lone postseason sport. However then they waived him, and the Ravens claimed him, bringing him again. They’d no intention of doing enterprise with him. They merely hoped some group would signal him as a free agent and so they might earn a compensatory draft choose.
The Browns ultimately signed Diontae Johnson in late April, the place he has been working to enhance his picture—when it suits. He didn’t attend OTAs, however, as is required, he confirmed as much as minicamp. He additionally gave the media seven minutes of his time alongside the way in which.
“Show everyone flawed, that’s my mindset,” Johnson mentioned. “Maintain going. Don’t fear concerning the exterior noise. Fear about what goes on between these gates.”
He additionally talked about being on time, doing what he’s informed, and being “an incredible teammate.”
However first, Johnson has to make the Browns’ roster, whereas they work out who their quarterback is. Though Johnson talked about Kenny Pickett as sort of a purpose for signing, he didn’t sound like he felt that strongly about it. In any case, he admitted the Browns have been the one group that known as him.
