Johnson’s deal with Cleveland is the veteran minimum of $1.17 million for 2025. Johnson, 28, has played or talked his way off of several teams over the past two years, including the Panthers, Ravens, and Texans. A consistent target commander in the short areas of the field, Johnson has amassed 424 catches for 4,738 yards and 28 touchdowns in his six-year NFL career and could make an immediate impact in the Browns offense alongside Jerry Jeudy if he remains in good standing with the Cleveland coaching staff this summer.

The former Steeler wasn’t able to carve out a significant role with the Panthers, Ravens, or Texans in 2024 after seemingly breaking out in Pittsburgh. The Browns apparently saw enough during his visit with the team Monday to sign him to a one-year contract, the details of which have yet to be released. Expect Johnson to start opposite Cedric Tillman on the perimeter while Jerry Jeudy works the slot.

Johnson had a forgettable 2024, to put it mildly. The former Steelers receiver saw himself traded to the Panthers last offseason only to later be traded to the Ravens, where his lack of playing time eventually led to his release. He then found his way to the wide receiver-needy Texans, who rostered him for just over three weeks. He was then claimed off waivers by the Ravens but was not eligible to play during the postseason. Now a free agent, Johnson, 28, has not enjoyed the market many expected him to see this time last year. He’s a productive receiver who has amassed 424 catches for 4,738 yards and 28 touchdowns in his six-year career, but it goes without saying that he’s likely in brand rebuilding mode as far as this offseason is concerned. It’s hard to imagine any team giving him a lucrative contract after last year’s disastrous campaign. That said, Johnson could still still provide help to plenty of needy teams and could prove to be a valuable contributor at a cost-efficient price. This is the first visit we’ve heard of for Johnson, who may meet with other teams before signing.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter carefully broke down what is ultimately a brilliant “procedural move” by the Ravens. Johnson is not eligible to play in this post-season and will not be “awarded” to the Ravens until after the Super Bowl. Schefter notes Johnson “qualifies as an unrestricted free agent this offseason and, if he signs with another team, he factors into Baltimore’s compensatory pick formula, potentially helping it obtain an additional draft pick in 2026.” Schefter adds that Johnson “likely won’t step foot back into the Ravens’ facility. But he now can help Baltimore in the off-season.”