The vast receiver’s tumultuous 2024 included a bevy of transactions and a number of goals to be traded and in the end crushed his free company worth. Johnson was traded twice and reduce twice final yr, resulting in a veteran-minimum Browns deal. Failing to make Cleveland’s 53-man roster represents one other blow to a participant who entered final season as a career-long starter.
No different crew made Johnson a proposal this offseason. The Browns won’t tackle any lifeless cash from this launch because of the vet-minimum deal together with no ensures. The crew didn’t add some other veteran receivers of word, however it’ll nonetheless transfer on from a former 1,000-yard participant who had excelled for the Steelers over an prolonged stretch.
The Steelers and Panthers traded Johnson final yr after he grew sad with each conditions. However Johnson then drew a team-imposed suspension in Baltimore after refusing to reenter a late-season recreation with the Ravens — who didn’t give the efficient route runner a daily position. Johnson then grew sad together with his Texans position following a subsequent waiver declare. The Ravens claimed him once more for procedural functions, wrapping a transaction-crazed (however largely inconsequential, productivity-wise) yr for the six-year veteran.
Cleveland has Cedric Tillman positioned as Jerry Jeudy‘s prime complementary possibility, with 2024 fifth-rounder Jamari Thrash within the combine as properly. The Browns additionally modified their receiver scenario this month, signing Texas product Isaiah Bond after the rookie was not indicted on sexual assault prices. Johnson, 29, will cross straight to free company as a vested veteran.
