Diontae Johnson’s tumultuous 2024 season has taken another turn, as the Houston Texans have opted to waive the wide receiver just days ahead of their divisional-round playoff match against the Kansas City Chiefs. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans addressed the move on Tuesday, expressing disappointment over Johnson’s situation, stating, “Unfortunately, with Diontae it didn’t work out. We’re on to the Chiefs.”
Johnson’s time with the Texans proved to be challenging, particularly following the team’s wild-card playoff win over the Los Angeles Chargers, where he appeared visibly frustrated with his limited role. Despite being dressed and present in the locker room, Johnson played a mere 15 out of 70 offensive snaps and only received one target during the game, resulting in just one catch for 12 yards. His lack of involvement in the offense led to concern from teammates, including running back Joe Mixon and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, who attempted to console him.
Since joining the Texans on December 23 after being claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens, Johnson’s impact has been minimal. Across two games in Houston, he caught three passes for 24 yards, having formerly faced challenges in Baltimore where he was suspended for one game for refusing to play against the Philadelphia Eagles in December. His stint with the Ravens followed a trade from the Carolina Panthers, where he logged 30 receptions for 257 yards and three touchdowns prior to the move.
Johnson was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, where he had a noteworthy career, tallying 391 catches for 4,363 yards and 25 touchdowns. His performance in 2021 earned him a Pro Bowl selection during his only 1,000-yard season. However, the string of challenges he faced in recent times highlights the unpredictability of professional sports and the necessity to adapt quickly.
As the Texans move on, they will look to focus on their upcoming playoff game, while Johnson will seek new opportunities to revitalize his career. This situation shows that while setbacks can be frustrating for players, they also present chances for resilience and rebounding in the competitive landscape of the NFL.