Browns and Steelers sign veteran wide receivers

Two veteran wide receivers in the National Football League are on the move. The Pittsburgh Steelers signed Robert Woods of Gardena, California on Thursday according to the Associated Press, and the Cleveland Browns have signed Diontae Johnson of Ruskin, Florida on Monday, according to the Associated Press.

Woods is joining his fifth NFL franchise. He was previously with the Buffalo Bills from 2013 to 2016, the Los Angeles Rams from 2017 to 2021, the Tennessee Titans in 2022, and Houston Texans in 2023 and 2024. This past season, Woods had 20 catches for 203 receiving yards.

In his career, Woods has 683 catches for 8233 receiving yards and 38 touchdown catches, along with 75 rushes for 514 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. His best season came in 2018 with the Rams as he had a career-high in receiving yards with 1219. In the 2021 season, Woods was on the Rams team that won the Super Bowl. In Pittsburgh, he joins an organization that also signed D.K. Metcalf. 

Johnson is also joining his fifth NFL franchise. He was previously with the Steelers from 2019 to 2023, and the Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens and Texans last season. In 12 games, Johnson had 33 catches for 375 receiving yards and three touchdowns, and two rushes for six yards.

In his career, Johnson has 424 catches for 4738 receiving yards and 28 touchdown catches along with 21 rushes for 140 rushing yards. In 2021, Johnson was selected to the Pro Bowl while with the Steelers. He had career highs in catches (107), receiving yards (1161), and touchdown catches (eight).

The signing of Johnson could be considered risky by the Browns. The fact he played for three NFL teams last season cannot be ignored.