Diontae Johnson’s stint with the Houston Texans has come to an end as the team announced he was waived on Tuesday. The wide receiver has had a tumultuous season, being on multiple teams, and this marks the conclusion of his time in Houston.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans expressed regret over the situation, saying, “Unfortunately, it didn’t work out. We are onto the Chiefs.” Johnson, acquired from the Baltimore Ravens on December 26, managed to play in just one regular season game and one playoff game for the Texans, recording a total of three receptions for 24 yards.
Prior to joining the Texans, Johnson had a brief tenure with the Ravens after being traded from the Carolina Panthers on October 29. He started the season with the Panthers, participating in seven regular-season games, followed by four games with the Ravens. However, his time in Baltimore was marred by a one-game suspension after he refused to enter a game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 13.
For the Texans, Johnson contributed minimally, participating in 16 snaps during their impressive 32-12 wild-card victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. As they prepare to face the defending Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, in the upcoming divisional round, Johnson’s absence will be felt as the team moves forward.
At 28 years old, Johnson’s contract is set to expire after this season, and once he clears waivers, he will become an unrestricted free agent, leaving him open to exploring opportunities with other teams as he seeks to revitalize his career.
The journey for Johnson illustrates the unpredictable nature of the NFL and provides a glimpse into the challenges players can face during a season. For football fans, this emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability, traits that players must embody to succeed in such a competitive environment.