Houston Texans Part Ways with Diontae Johnson Amidst Season Transition
In a move that raises eyebrows shortly before a crucial divisional clash against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Houston Texans have released wide receiver Diontae Johnson. Johnson's brief tenure with the team, marked by fleeting highlights and untapped potential, has come to an end as the Texans reconstruct their offensive lineup for the playoffs.
Johnson, who was claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens on December 23, played only two games for the Texans. His contribution to the Houston outfit included a regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans, where he recorded two catches for a modest 12 yards. During the Texans' wild-card round victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, Johnson tallied a single reception for 12 yards, participating in 16 offensive snaps—constituting roughly 22% of the team's plays for the game.
This marks a turbulent season for Johnson, characterized by transitions among multiple teams. Originally, he made an impact with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2021, a year in which he notched impressive stats: 107 receptions, 1,161 yards, and eight touchdowns. His journey saw him briefly with the Carolina Panthers before being traded to the Baltimore Ravens in October. The Ravens exchanged a fifth-round pick to acquire him, receiving a sixth-round draft pick in return.
Despite his notable career accomplishments, including 391 receptions, over 4,363 yards, and 25 touchdowns across 77 games, Johnson's recent performance has been interspersed with challenges. His tenure with the Ravens saw a setback when he faced suspension in Week 15 for conduct detrimental to the team, a turn of events that cast a cloud over his season.
Johnson has now been traded twice and waived twice in this eventful season. His release from the Texans underlines a strategic shift as the team eyes fresh talent. Houston aims to bolster their roster with the likes of John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson as they strive to enhance their playoff prospects.
Nico Collins has emerged as the top receiver for the Texans, carrying the mantle forward as the playoffs progress. Collins, alongside the new potential additions, signifies the Texans' commitment to reshaping their receiving corps in pursuit of a deeper playoff run.
As Johnson navigates free agency in search of a new landing spot, the Texans’ organization hopes their offensive recalibration will pay dividends. For Johnson, the focus shifts to finding stability and a platform to once again display the skills that once earned him Pro Bowl accolades.
In a season marked by Johnson's moves across the league, his release serves as a reminder of the NFL’s ever-shifting landscape, where teams must constantly adapt and players often find themselves on new paths.