In a surprising mid-postseason move, the Houston Texans have officially waived wide receiver Diontae Johnson, a decision made public just ahead of their crucial divisional-round clash against the Kansas City Chiefs. This marks the end of a whirlwind stint for Johnson in Houston, which began merely weeks ago when he was picked up after being waived by the Baltimore Ravens on December 23.
A Brief Tenure in Houston
Johnson's time with the Texans was fleeting but not without its moments. During his short tenure, he participated in two games. In the regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans, Johnson managed to catch two passes, gaining a modest total of 12 yards. Continuing his efforts into the postseason, he featured in the Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Chargers, where he was targeted once and converted it into another 12-yard gain. Johnson was involved in 16 offensive snaps during the game, accounting for 22 percent of the Texans’ plays in that phase.
A Tumultuous Season
The 2023 season was particularly tumultuous for Johnson, who began with the Pittsburgh Steelers, then moved to the Carolina Panthers, and subsequently to the Baltimore Ravens before landing in Houston. Earlier in the year, Johnson was part of a trade that saw him and a sixth-round pick sent from the Ravens to the Panthers in exchange for a fifth-round pick. His journey was further marred by a suspension for conduct detrimental to the team before being acquired by the Texans. Despite these setbacks, he carried the weight of past success, notably as a Pro Bowl receiver in 2021 with the Steelers, where he recorded 107 catches for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns.
The Texans' Current Strategy
Going into the pivotal game against the Chiefs, the Texans face challenges with their receiving corps, particularly with the absence of key players such as Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell. Head coach DeMeco Ryans acknowledged the situation surrounding Johnson with a succinct statement: "With Diontae, unfortunately, it didn’t work out and we’re on to the Chiefs." The focus now shifts to other talented players within their lineup. John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson are expected to play significant roles in supporting Nico Collins, shouldering the responsibility of advancing the Texans' postseason ambitions.
The release of Diontae Johnson underscores the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of professional football, where player performances, team strategies, and off-field conduct can significantly influence the course of careers. As the Texans prepare to face the Chiefs, they do so with a refocused strategy and a determination to excel despite recent roster changes.