Texans Move on After Waiving Diontae Johnson
In a strategic shift announced just before their crucial divisional-round game against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Houston Texans have released wide receiver Diontae Johnson. This decision marks another chapter in a tumultuous season for Johnson, who played for four different teams this year.
Johnson's stint with the Texans was brief. He was signed on December 23 after being released by the Baltimore Ravens and went on to play in just two games for the team. In the regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans, Johnson caught two passes totaling 12 yards. During the Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Chargers, he was targeted once and made a single catch, again for 12 yards. Johnson was on the field for 16 snaps, participating in 22 percent of the offensive plays during that game. While his contributions were modest, his journey this season has been notably eventful.
A Whirlwind Season for Johnson
The 2023 season has been a journey of highs and lows for Diontae Johnson. Originally a Pro Bowl receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021, where he achieved 107 receptions for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns, his career took an unexpected downturn. After his tenure with the Steelers, Johnson found himself with the Carolina Panthers when he was traded by the Baltimore Ravens along with a sixth-round pick for a fifth-round pick. Despite such a promising start to his professional career, Johnson's recent challenges have overshadowed his accomplishments.
Johnson's time with the Ravens was cut short by a suspension for conduct detrimental to the team, which undoubtedly impacted his chance to make an enduring impression with Baltimore. This turbulent season underscored the volatility that can define the career of an NFL player, with Johnson's release from the Texans punctuating a year of significant transition.
Texans Aim to Regroup for Playoffs
The Texans' decision to part ways with Johnson comes as they prepare to face the Kansas City Chiefs without key wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell, placing added pressure on other members of the receiving corps. Head coach DeMeco Ryans has expressed readiness to move forward. "With Diontae, unfortunately, it didn’t work out and we’re on to the Chiefs," Ryans stated, signaling his intent to focus the team’s energy on their playoff prospects.
The receiving responsibilities now fall onto John Metchie III, Robert Woods, Xavier Hutchinson, and Nico Collins, who are expected to step up against a formidable Chiefs team. This group of receivers will need to deliver strong performances to support the Texans' playoff ambitions without some of their leading talents.
Looking Forward
As the Texans prepare for their matchup with the Chiefs, the departure of Diontae Johnson underscores the fluidity and high-pressure decision-making required at this level of professional football. Although his tenure with Houston was brief, Johnson's story remains a testament to the unpredictable nature of an NFL career, where even Pro Bowl-caliber talent can be subject to the league’s relentless churn.
The outcome of the playoff match will not only test the Texans' adaptability on the field but also their depth in talent, as they aim to navigate the remainder of the postseason. Meanwhile, for Diontae Johnson, the conclusion of his association with the Texans could prompt another reevaluation, as he seeks to re-establish himself in the league and rediscover the form that once made him a standout receiver with the Steelers.