Diontae Johnson’s Turbulent Season Ends with Release from Houston Texans
The Houston Texans recently made headlines by releasing wide receiver Diontae Johnson, a move that caught many enthusiasts off guard as the team approaches a pivotal divisional matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Johnson's short stint with the Texans was marked by a rollercoaster of events, and this release adds yet another chapter to his eventful football year.
A Journey Filled with Trades and Waivers
Diontae Johnson's journey this season has been anything but stable. Claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens on December 23, he quickly joined the Texans' roster. However, his time on the field was brief. Johnson appeared in just two games for Houston, showing perseverance despite limited opportunities. Against the Tennessee Titans in the regular-season finale, he managed to catch two passes for a total of 12 yards. Then, during the Texans' wild-card win over the Los Angeles Chargers, he added another reception, again for 12 yards, across 16 offensive snaps, representing 22% of the team’s plays in that game.
Bouncing from Team to Team
Before landing with the Texans, Johnson had already made stops with several other NFL teams this year. Starting with the Pittsburgh Steelers and moving on to the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens, his pathway through the league has been marked by constant movement. Baltimore acquired him from Carolina in October, in a deal involving an exchange of draft picks — a fifth-round for a sixth-round, a typical procedural swap during the season.
His time with the Ravens was marred by a suspension in Week 15, a consequence of conduct deemed detrimental to the team. This led to another parting, reflecting the challenges and controversies Johnson has faced throughout this hectic season. Remarkably, he was both traded twice and waived twice, marking him as one of the most transient players this year in the NFL.
A Glimpse of Past Glory
Despite this whirlwind of trades and waivers, Diontae Johnson’s talent is indisputable. Over his career, he has accumulated 391 receptions, racking up more than 4,363 yards and securing 25 touchdowns in 77 games. His breakout moment came in 2021 when he earned a Pro Bowl selection with the Pittsburgh Steelers, an achievement supported by his impressive stats that year: 107 catches, 1,161 yards, and eight touchdowns.
Texans Look to the Future
With Johnson no longer in their plans, the Texans are moving forward with a focus on other talent. Players like John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson will now have the opportunity to shine as Houston navigates the postseason. Nico Collins remains the standout player, establishing himself as the top receiver poised to lead the Texans in their playoff bid.
Diontae Johnson's release underscores the unpredictable nature of professional sports, where even seasoned athletes can find themselves navigating a tumultuous career path. As for what’s next for Johnson, only time will tell where his football journey will lead him next.