Browns Release Diontae Johnson and Shake Up QB Depth Chart

The Cleveland Browns have locked in their 53-man roster, but not before making some eye-opening moves involving quarterbacks, a former Pro Bowl wide receiver, and a new addition up front.

Depth Chart News

Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that veteran Joe Flacco will be the starting quarterback, with rookie Dillon Gabriel earning the No. 2 spot. Fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders will dress on game days as the emergency third quarterback.

Injury Report

Quarterback Deshaun Watson, still recovering from an Achilles injury, was placed on the physically unable to perform list. Wide receiver David Bell landed on the non-football injury list. On defense, rookie defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. was activated from the PUP list, while linebacker Winston Reid was placed on injured reserve.

Roster Cuts

The biggest surprise came at wide receiver as the Browns released Diontae Johnson, a move first reported by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero. Johnson, who joined Cleveland in April, had bounced between four teams in 2024 and struggled to find consistent production. He recorded just 33 catches for 375 yards and three touchdowns last season, and his Browns stint ended with only two preseason receptions for 19 yards.

Kicker Dustin Hopkins was also released as part of 14 total cuts to bring Cleveland to the 53-man limit.

Trade News

The Browns bolstered their offensive line by acquiring tackle KT Leveston from the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a 2028 seventh-round pick, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The Rams later confirmed the trade.

What It Means

The Browns’ quarterback depth is set, but the release of Johnson leaves a hole at wide receiver that younger players will now have the chance to fill. Losing Watson for at least the early part of the season shifts even more pressure onto Flacco to carry the offense. Meanwhile, the addition of Leveston provides extra protection for a veteran quarterback who will need it.

Cleveland enters 2025 with stability at QB, but plenty of questions remain around its pass-catchers and defensive depth.