Diontae Johnson’s NFL career has been a rollercoaster over the past two years. Once a reliable primary receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, he has since bounced from team to team, unable to find stability, and was cut again before the season started.
Johnson was released by the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday morning as teams finalized roster cuts to reach the 53-man limit, leaving him back on the market. Here are some teams that could still consider adding Johnson.
5 Best Landing Spots for WR Diontae Johnson
Johnson’s peak came in 2021, when he stayed healthy and put up 1,161 yards with eight touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl nod. Back in his rookie season in 2019, he was also named second-team All-Pro as a punt returner.
Since leaving the Steelers, however, Johnson has struggled to stick with any franchise. He has been on four different teams in the past year, never lasting more than seven games with any of them.
DIONTAE JOHNSON. 71 YARDS. FOR THE LEAD.
📺: #PITvsBAL on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/WxnOXJY8R6 pic.twitter.com/BjXNi3SPGM— NFL (@NFL) January 6, 2024
Now he is searching for yet another chance to carve out a role in the NFL, and there are a few teams where he could still be a welcome addition.
1) San Francisco 49ers
The first team to consider is the San Francisco 49ers. No franchise has dealt with more injuries at wide receiver than the 49ers, who are currently without Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, Jacob Cowing, Jordan Watkins, and Demarcus Robinson. All are either ruled out or unlikely to play in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks.
With Ricky Pearsall, Skyy Moore, and Russell Gage expected to start in Week 1, Johnson could be a real option, especially since the 49ers are still exploring the market for a receiver. They even tried to land Amari Cooper before he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders.
2) Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are another team in the market for a wide receiver to help fill out the roster in the opening weeks of the season. Jordan Addison is suspended for the first three games, and Jalen Nailor is dealing with a hand injury that could affect his Week 1 availability.
#Vikings WR Jordan Addison has been suspended without pay for the first 3 games of the 2025 season for violating the NFL’s Substances of Abuse Policy.
Addison recently resolved a 2024 DUI citation by pleading no contest to a lesser charge. He can participate in preseason. pic.twitter.com/ZoSDHKOJPx
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 5, 2025
Johnson could be the short-term solution for those first three weeks and potentially stick around for the season. The team has already lost Rondale Moore for the year and needs to give J.J. McCarthy quality targets early in his career to ensure a smooth transition into the system.
3) New England Patriots
The New England Patriots’ offense is an interesting case this season. After a disappointing 2024, the moves made for 2025 make them one of the most exciting teams to take a leap forward, especially with rookie TreVeyon Henderson already shining.
Maye could use Johnson as a route runner as part of the rotation, which features Stefon Diggs, Demario Douglas, and Kyle Williams as the primary targets. He would have to fight for reps alongside Mack Hollins, Kayshon Boutte, and Kendrick Bourne at first, and could even start out on the practice squad while waiting for his chance.
4) New York Jets
The New York Jets, unlike their rival Patriots, enter the season with modest expectations, largely due to the lack of top-tier talent on the roster. With Justin Fields under center, the floor for production feels low, though there is some upside to work with.
Johnson would slot in behind Garrett Wilson, Josh Reynolds, and Allen Lazard, but could push for a role right after the main rotation. The Jets released Malachi Corley and need a lighter route runner on the roster, which Johnson could provide immediately.
5) Pittsburgh Steelers
Why not a reunion with the team where he had the best numbers of his career? Johnson’s exit from the franchise wasn’t exactly smooth, but the team is in all-in mode this season, and receiver remains an area with room for improvement.
Johnson’s career unraveled after leaving Pittsburgh, due to decisions he admits were unfortunate. This could be a way to rebuild his image across the NFL.
