Texans Part Ways with Diontae Johnson: A Tumultuous Season Comes to a Close
In a move that adds a dramatic twist to the Houston Texans' playoff narrative, wide receiver Diontae Johnson has been released just ahead of their crucial divisional matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. This decision caps off a remarkably turbulent season for Johnson, who navigated through multiple teams and a suspension before ending this chapter in Houston.
A Year of Transitions
Johnson's 2023 journey through the NFL has been nothing short of a whirlwind. Initially part of the Carolina Panthers, Johnson was traded to the Baltimore Ravens in October. The transaction saw Baltimore exchanging a fifth-round draft pick for a sixth-round pick from the Panthers. However, Johnson's time with the Ravens was marked by off-field challenges, culminating in a suspension in Week 15 for conduct deemed detrimental to the team.
In late December, the Houston Texans claimed Johnson off waivers, giving him an opportunity to showcase his talents. Despite his potential, Johnson's stint with the Texans was brief, spanning just two games. During the regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans, he registered two receptions for a total of 12 yards. His contribution in the Texans' wild-card victory over the Los Angeles Chargers was similarly modest, with one catch also for 12 yards. Altogether, Johnson was involved in 16 offensive plays, amounting to about 22% of the team's snaps in that critical game.
Impressive Past Performances
Johnson's career began on a promising note, making significant impacts across several NFL teams. Notably, during his tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he established himself as a reliable receiver, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2021. That year, he tallied an impressive 107 receptions, covered 1,161 yards, and scored eight touchdowns, highlighting his potential to be a standout in the league.
Across 77 games in his professional career, Johnson amassed 391 receptions, over 4,363 receiving yards, and reached the end zone 25 times. These statistics underscore his capability to be a major asset on the field, a reputation he has built despite facing the challenges of trades and waivers twice in the same season.
Houston’s Road Ahead
As the Texans move forward, their receiving corps will heavily rely on the skills of emerging talents such as John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson. With Nico Collins positioned as the top receiver, the team looks well-equipped to tackle the forthcoming playoff challenges without Johnson.
Houston’s decision to release Johnson at this critical juncture reflects both the depth of their roster and their confidence in the existing talent. The franchise remains focused on capitalizing on their successful late-season form, leaning on both established players and new stars to carry the receiving duties.
As the Texans brace themselves for their encounter with the formidable Kansas City Chiefs, fans will keenly watch how the backdrop of these off-field adjustments shapes their on-field strategies. Johnson, meanwhile, will likely assess his options, hoping for yet another opportunity to bring his seasoned skills to the field and revive a promising career trajectory.