Diontae Johnson Released by Houston Texans Ahead of Critical Matchup
The Houston Texans made a surprising roster move by releasing wide receiver Diontae Johnson just days before their crucial divisional game against the Kansas City Chiefs. This decision adds another chapter to Johnson's turbulent season, during which he has been both traded and waived multiple times.
Johnson's journey this year has been anything but stable. Initially starting with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he made a brief stop with the Carolina Panthers before being picked up by the Baltimore Ravens. In a transaction that marks the unpredictable nature of the NFL, the Ravens acquired Johnson from the Panthers, exchanging a fifth-round draft pick for a sixth-rounder back in October. Despite the team’s efforts to develop this talent, Johnson's tenure with the Ravens was marred by a suspension during Week 15 due to conduct detrimental to the team, casting doubt on his future prospects there.
On December 23, the Texans claimed Johnson off waivers, hoping he could inject some vitality into their receiving corps. He showed glimpses of his potential while with Houston. In the regular season's final showdown against the Tennessee Titans, he contributed with two receptions totaling 12 yards. During the Texans' thrilling wild-card triumph over the Los Angeles Chargers, he added a 12-yard reception, participating in 16 offensive snaps, which constituted about 22% of the team's plays in that playoff clash.
Throughout his career, Johnson has demonstrated flashes of brilliance, amassing 391 receptions, over 4,363 yards, and scoring 25 touchdowns across 77 games. A career highlight came in 2021 when he earned a Pro Bowl selection with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a year distinguished by his 107 receptions, 1,161 yards, and eight touchdowns. Yet, this year’s tumultuous path has diminished the shine of past achievements as he grapples with the league's relentless demands and the need to secure a stable position.
For the Texans, the decision to release Johnson indicates confidence in other receiving talents. John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson are among those now tasked with stepping up to fill the void left by Johnson. Notably, Nico Collins remains the standout receiver leading the Texans' offensive charge as they navigate the high-stakes environment of the playoffs.
Johnson's release underscores the Texans' strategy to refine their roster dynamics in pursuit of a deeper playoff run. With the ever-competitive landscape of the NFL playoffs, the Texans are likely banking on consistency and chemistry among their remaining wide receivers to enhance their chances against formidable opponents.
Johnson's departure from Houston adds to the narrative of a NFL athlete in search of a permanent home and an opportunity to revive his once-promising career. As teams across the league continue to shuffle rosters and seek the perfect balance, the hopes remain high for both Johnson and the Texans to find paths that lead to success.