Diontae Johnson Released by Houston Texans Ahead of Key Matchup
This week, the Houston Texans made a significant roster move by releasing wide receiver Diontae Johnson. The decision comes before their crucial divisional playoff game against the formidable Kansas City Chiefs. Johnson's release marks another chapter in a tumultuous season that saw him don multiple jerseys in a brief period.
Johnson's journey in the NFL this season has been eventful. Originally claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens on December 23, his stint with the Texans was notably short-lived. During his time in Houston, Johnson participated in just two games, making minimal impact on the field. In the regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans, he recorded two receptions for a total of 12 yards. In the Texans' thrilling wild-card win against the Los Angeles Chargers, he managed a single catch for 12 yards, contributing to 16 offensive snaps, which represented approximately 22% of the team's offensive plays in that decisive game.
Johnson's release from the Texans is yet another twist in a year of instability for the wideout. Prior to his brief tenure in Houston, Johnson transitioned between several NFL teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers, and Baltimore Ravens. Notably, Baltimore acquired him from the Panthers in late October through a trade that involved swapping a fifth-round draft pick for a sixth-round draft pick. Despite the potential his talent presented, his time with the Ravens was marred by a one-game suspension in Week 15, attributed to conduct detrimental to the team.
Throughout this winding path, Johnson has been both traded and waived twice this season—a testament to the unpredictable nature of professional football careers. Despite these challenges, his career statistics paint a picture of a player with significant abilities. Across 77 games, Johnson has secured 391 receptions, amassed over 4,363 receiving yards, and scored 25 touchdowns. His standout performance came in the 2021 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he earned a Pro Bowl nod thanks to an impressive 107 receptions, 1,161 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns.
For the Texans, the decision to release Johnson might also reflect their confidence in a strong receiving corps that includes promising talents like John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson. At the forefront of their wide receiver lineup is Nico Collins, who has established himself as the go-to target as the Texans navigate through the playoff rounds.
The release of a player like Johnson, noted for his speed and playmaking ability, before a high-stakes match against the Chiefs, highlights Houston's strategic recalibrations aiming for offensive efficiency and stability. As the Texans continue their playoff journey, they must maintain focus and cohesion amongst their remaining receivers to maximize their chances in a highly competitive postseason environment.
Simultaneously, for Diontae Johnson, this release is a moment to reassess and prepare for the opportunities that the offseason might present. As NFL teams look toward building a competitive roster for the upcoming season, his experience and prior achievements could make him a valuable addition to another franchise. Johnson's resilience through a season of trades and waivers underscores the challenges and unpredictability athletes often face in maintaining their professional careers at the highest level.
As Houston prepares for their playoff clash, this roster shake-up serves as a reminder of the high-stakes and dynamic nature of team building in the NFL. The Texans, led by their frontline receivers, aim to make a deep playoff run, while Johnson, a seasoned veteran, may soon be writing a new chapter in his football journey.