The Cleveland Browns have a few interesting position battles as training camp approaches, including one that could see a rookie out-duel a once promising veteran looking for a fresh start with a former division rival.
Jared Mueller of SB Nation’s Dawgs by Nature suggested on Friday, June 20, that one of the more intriguing battles will actually be between multiple positions — wide receiver and tight end — for the fifth skill-position job in the starting lineup.
Mueller noted that rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. is a threat to claim the role out from under receivers Diontae Johnson and Jamari Thrash. Fannin is likely the team’s No. 2 tight end behind starter David Njoku, while Johnson and Thrash will battle for the No. 3 wideout spot behind Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman.
Harold Fannin Jr. Appears Future of Tight End Position for Browns
GettyCleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr.
Cleveland selected Fannin out of Bowling Green in the third round of the 2025 NFL draft (No. 67 overall).
“Fannin, who is from Canton, Ohio, and went to McKinley Senior High School, brings that local connection to the Browns,” the team’s official website wrote on April 26. “He played three seasons at Bowling Green and appeared in 36 career games. He totaled 180 receptions for 2,396 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns [and] also added 33 carries for 159 rushing yards and five touchdowns.”
Njoku was a Pro Bowler in 2023 but suffered injury issues last season that cost him six games. He turns 29 years old next month and is entering his ninth season as a pro, which is also the last of his current $54.75 million contract. As such, Fannin reads much like Njoku’s less expensive replacement in 2026, though he will likely play behind Njoku/serve as an insurance policy against further injury this year.
Diontae Johnson May Be on Last Shot in NFL With Browns
GettyCleveland Browns wide receiver Diontae Johnson.
Fannin is most likely to compete with Johnson for the role of fifth offensive weapon in the team’s starting lineup.
Johnson joined the NFL as a third-round pick of the AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019. He produced a solid rookie campaign and improved in both his second and third seasons, hitting his professional pinnacle with 107 catches for 1,161 receiving yards and 8 TDs in 2021 — all of which remain career highs.
However, Johnson has steadily regressed since then. His reception and yardage totals have fallen in each of the previous three campaigns, and his clashes with various teams have led to unsuccessful stints with the Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans — all of which came in 2024.
Johnson is entering his age-29 season in Cleveland this year on a one-year contract. He also admitted earlier this spring that the Browns were the only team that came calling in free agency.
As such, Johnson must make the most out of his opportunity in 2025, but also prove himself a valuable and reasonable teammate if he doesn’t find his way into the starting lineup immediately, or at all — lest he risk his career coming to a quick and unceremonious end.
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