Just a year ago, it looked like former star Toledo receiver Diontae Johnson would get to name his price in the free agent market. However, the sixth-year receiver bounced around multiple NFL franchises in 2024, having a career-worst year as rumors of locker room issues doomed his chances of success.
Now, the former Toledo star is running out of strikes. Could he make another NFL roster? Here are five landing spots for Diontae Johnson.
Potential Landing Spots for Former MAC Star Diontae Johnson
Johnson was a star in the MAC, catching 135 passes for 2,135 yards and 23 touchdowns for the Toledo Rockets from 2015-2018. His redshirt sophomore year in 2017 was one of the best we’ve ever seen from a MAC receiver. That year, he caught 74 passes for 1,278 yards and 14 touchdowns as Toledo went 11-3 and won the MAC Championship Game.
He got off to a strong start in the NFL after being drafted early in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, catching at least 50 passes in each of his first five seasons, all with the Pittsburgh Steeler.
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Once he signed with the Carolina Panthers, though, his career took a turn. The 2024 season started well, as he caught 30 passes and three touchdowns in seven games, but the struggling Panthers offloaded him to the Baltimore Ravens. It later came out that there was trouble in the locker room. He lasted just four games and caught one pass with the Ravens, reportedly refusing to play when asked to enter a Dec. 1 game.
He was picked up by the Houston Texans, but waived after a locker room outburst in a Wild Card win. If he has one more shot, where could Johnson land?
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders need help at receiver and have shown a willingness to take on restoration projects in the past. Johnson’s talent is undeniable, so it’s not out of the question to think the Raiders would give him a chance in the offseason.
The Raiders need help at quarterback, but Johnson has the talent to be a top receiver for whoever throws the ball next year.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a history of getting elite play out of oft-troubled receivers. Could the Steelers take a chance on the former Toledo product?
Johnson had 391 catches and over 4,300 yards with the Steelers from 2019 to 2023. He’s obviously comfortable there, so if the Steelers are willing to take him back, he could be a cheap option for a team lacking a WR2.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have struggled to find a consistent WR3 over the last few seasons and the franchise is in the midst of upheaval between coaches. Dallas has never run from big personalities, and Johnson could be comfortable there.
The Cowboys have plenty of holes to fill this offseason, but Johnson would be a cheap secondary option at receiver for a team that needs consistent pass-catchers.
Birmingham Stallions
While somewhat tongue-in-cheek, a trip to the UFL might do Johnson some good. The Birmingham Stallions are one of the best teams in the spring football league and have room to experiment with potentially risky additions as they don’t need another receiver.
But if Johnson went to a spring league and dominated while proving he can get along with his coaches and teammates, the bigger NFL options will come.
New York Giants
The New York Giants desperately want more playmakers on offense and they haven’t really been overly concerned with team chemistry so far.
If Johnson is out there, GM Joe Schoen might be tempted to pull the trigger on a low-cost one-year deal. The team that successfully brings in Johnson will have the inside track to signing him long-term.
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