Diontae Johnson's Short Stint with the Houston Texans Comes to an End
In a surprising move ahead of a crucial divisional clash against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Houston Texans have parted ways with wide receiver Diontae Johnson. This decision marks the latest twist in what has been a season of transitions for Johnson, who found himself being traded and waived multiple times across the NFL landscape.
A Brief Tenure in Houston
Johnson arrived in Houston under somewhat dramatic circumstances, claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens on December 23. His baptism by fire saw him lacing up for the Texans in two significant games. During the regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans, Johnson managed to catch two passes, contributing 12 yards on the stat sheet. He followed up this modest performance in the Texans' wild-card victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, where he recorded one pass reception for another 12 yards. He was a presence on the field for 16 offensive snaps, participating in about 22% of the team’s plays during that playoff duel.
Despite these opportunities, the Texans appear keen to shift their focus as they gear up for the postseason. The release of Johnson opens the door for the likes of promising talents such as John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson to step into a more prominent role. Meanwhile, Nico Collins stands out as the Texans’ top receiver, ready to make an impact as the team battles to advance further in the playoffs.
A Season of Change
The 2023 season saw Diontae Johnson navigating a challenging path within the NFL. Prior to joining the Texans, he began the year with the Pittsburgh Steelers, then had stints with the Carolina Panthers and the Baltimore Ravens. His venture to Baltimore involved a trade back in October from the Panthers, where a strategic exchange saw the Ravens acquire Johnson in return for a flip of draft positions—a fifth-round pick for a sixth-round pick.
However, his tenure with the Ravens was not without its setbacks. Johnson faced a suspension in Week 15 due to conduct detrimental to the team, a development that likely factored into his departure from Baltimore. Johnson's trajectory this season underscores the volatile nature of a professional sports career, especially for players trying to find a lasting home on an NFL roster.
A Look Back at His Career
Johnson’s pro journey has had its share of highs. Over 77 games in his professional career, Johnson accumulated an impressive 391 receptions, amassed 4,363 yards, and scored 25 touchdowns. His standout year came in 2021 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he earned a Pro Bowl selection. That season, Johnson showcased his talents with 107 receptions, 1,161 yards, and eight touchdowns, cementing his reputation as a reliable target and dynamic playmaker on the field.
For the Houston Texans, the decision to move on from Johnson signifies a focus on the future as they seek to optimize their roster for postseason success. With Johnson out and emerging players ready to seize the moment, the Texans are setting sights on capitalizing on their momentum with a more cohesive unit.
As Diontae Johnson looks towards the next chapter of his NFL journey, teams in need of a seasoned receiver with a record of past success could see him as an attractive option. For now, though, the Texans march forward with a renewed vision, determined to make their mark in the playoffs.