Some Cleveland Browns hoped their team would find another wide receiver with the seven picks the team utilized at the NFL Draft. Jerry Jeudy proved he could be a strong No. 1 option through the 2024 season, but his offense needs another punch in the passing game.
They chose not to, instead assessing some defensive areas while doubling up at quarterback and running back. Cleveland acquired some fine pieces in the process, but the position still needed a boost.
The Browns let Elijah Moore walk after tallying 61 receptions and 538 yards in that campaign. Cedric Tillman, the next man up on the depth chart, had only 339 receiving yards a year ago.
That left the Browns turning to the remnants of the free agent market where they have found their guy. Cleveland has made official their signing of Johnson, a six-year veteran in the league.
Several insiders pointed to this deal days ago, but the Browns now make the signing official.
Johnson's first five seasons came with the Pittsburgh Steelers before he was traded to the Carolina Panthers last March. That move preceded a subsequent trade to the Baltimore Ravens after seven games.
He spent four games with the Ravens before being placed on waivers where the Houston Texans claimed him. The Browns originally brought Johnson in for a visit last week and rumors of his intentions to join the team quickly swirled.
Bouncing back from all the controversial craziness of that season, he now gets a fresh start in Cleveland where his talents can definitely be utilized. Johnson's veteran presence may not only supplement Jeudy if he maintains his spot, but also create a competitive environment for younger players like Tillman.
