Diontae Johnson's Time with the Texans Comes to an End
In a surprising roster move, wide receiver Diontae Johnson has been released by the Houston Texans just before their crucial divisional matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Johnson's stint with the Texans was short-lived after being claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens on December 23rd. During his brief tenure, Johnson played in two crucial games, making an impact in the Texans' quest for a playoff push.
A Brief Stint in Houston
Johnson's role with the Texans was limited but notable in two key games. In the regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans, Johnson contributed with two catches totaling 12 yards. He further aided the team during the Texans’ wild-card victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, recording a single reception for 12 yards. Though his time on the field was constrained—accounting for just 16 offensive snaps or around 22% of the team's plays—his presence added depth to the Texans' receiving corps.
A Year of Transitions
The 2021 Pro Bowl selectee has experienced a tumultuous season, highlighted by frequent team changes. Early in the season, Johnson was with the Baltimore Ravens, having joined them from the Carolina Panthers in October. The acquisition involved Baltimore trading a fifth-round draft pick in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick. However, Johnson's tenure with the Ravens was marred by disciplinary issues, culminating in a suspension during Week 15 for conduct detrimental to the team.
Moreover, Johnson's career has been characterized by instability, as evidenced by being both traded twice and waived twice in the same season. Prior to his time with the Texans and the Ravens, Johnson also spent part of the year with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His versatility and experience across various teams, albeit brief, underscored his potential value to receiving corps in need of depth.
Johnson's Career Achievements
Despite the challenges faced during the 2022 season, Diontae Johnson’s career statistics paint a picture of a highly productive wide receiver. Over the course of 77 games, Johnson has amassed 391 receptions, over 4,363 yards, and 25 touchdowns. His standout 2021 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers saw him earn Pro Bowl honors, thanks to a stellar performance with 107 receptions, 1,161 yards, and eight touchdowns. His proven track record offers him a solid foundation as he looks towards future opportunities in the league.
The Texans Move Forward
In the wake of Johnson's release, the Texans are poised to bolster their receiving ranks with the likes of John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson. These players, alongside Nico Collins—the team’s leading receiver—are expected to step up as the Texans wage their playoff battles. Johnson's departure opens doors for rising talents to seize crucial roles in the team's ongoing pursuit of postseason success.
As the Texans prepare for their matchup against the formidable Kansas City Chiefs, the decision to release Johnson reflects the franchise’s focus on strategic roster adjustments necessary to ensure competitive consistency. The team’s lineup adjustments underscore its commitment to optimizing performance and pursuing success in the high-stakes environment of NFL playoffs.
While Diontae Johnson's time with the Texans may have been brief, his journey through the NFL continues, fueled by his previous accolades and experience. His release serves as a reminder of the rigorous competition and dynamic changes characteristic of professional football.