CLEVELAND - Since being drafted in 1999, Kevin Johnson led the Cleveland Browns in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns as the club's most consistent playmaker.

Apparently, that wasn't good enough for coach Butch Davis.

In a surprise move, Johnson was released Tuesday by Davis, who benched the sure-handed wide receiver last week.

''It's a complete shock to me,'' Johnson told The Associated Press in an exclusive interview in his home. ''I'm still trying to figure this out.''

Browns fans, too, are left wondering why Davis would release the popular Johnson with seven games left this season. The Browns signed the 27-year-old to a four-year, $13.35 million contract extension with a $3.5 million signing bonus before last season.

The Browns said president Carmen Policy will address Johnson's release in a Wednesday morning news conference.

Johnson said Davis called him into his office on Tuesday to inform him that he was no longer wanted.

''I'm really disappointed in the way it ended, simply because of all that I've done for him (Davis),'' Johnson said. ''I never questioned him and I never talked bad about him to anyone or about anything. It doesn't make sense.''

Despite leading the Browns (3-6) with 41 catches for 381 yards this season, Johnson had his starting job taken away by Davis, who was displeased with his performance.

Two weeks ago in a loss to San Diego, Johnson dropped a crucial pass on fourth down in the fourth quarter, cut short a route that led to an interception and underthrew a pass on a reverse that should have been a touchdown.

Davis has also been critical of Johnson's blocking.

''This is not a knee-jerk reaction,'' Davis said in a statement. ''We have been trying for almost three seasons to help Kevin perform to the level of expectations we have had for him. I am disappointed our staff has not been able to get him to accept the expectations we have of how the wide receiver position should be played.''

Johnson had 192 receptions for 2,181 yards and 15 TDs in 41 games under Davis. In 73 games since he was taken by Cleveland with the first pick in the second round of the '99 draft, Johnson had 315 catches for 3,836 yards and 23 TDs.

Johnson was stunned to hear Davis' reasons behind releasing him.

''I guess I wasn't good enough,'' he said. ''This is crazy.''

Johnson's relationship with Davis had been strained for some time. As early as 2001, Davis' first season in Cleveland, he tried to trade Johnson.

Benched last week in favor of second-year wideout Andre' Davis, Johnson only got on the field for a handful of plays in Sunday's 41-20 loss at Kansas City.

He had one catch, giving him 73 straight games with a reception. Davis had three catches for 35 yards starting in Johnson's place.

Johnson said he never questioned his benching.

''I took it like a man,'' said Johnson. ''I supported every guy who went in there.''

Within hours of being released by the Browns, Johnson sat in his living room and fielded several calls from NFL head coaches interested in signing him.

Johnson's cell phone was also ringing nonstop from Cleveland players offering their support and wishing their popular ex-teammate well.

Quarterback Tim Couch's favorite target for four seasons, Johnson had his best season in 2001 when he set career highs with 84 receptions, 1,097 yards and nine touchdowns.

''I wanted to end my career here,'' Johnson said. ''That's what hurts me the most.''