The Houston Texans have decided to part ways with Diontae Johnson, officially waiving the former Pro Bowl wide receiver on Tuesday as they prepare for their upcoming playoff match against the Kansas City Chiefs. Johnson’s brief tenure with the Texans included only two games, where he managed a total of three receptions for 24 yards: two catches against the Tennessee Titans in the regular-season finale and one in the wild-card victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
After joining the Texans on December 23 from the Baltimore Ravens, Johnson’s time in Houston was marked by limited involvement. Head coach DeMeco Ryans expressed regret over the situation, stating, “With Diontae, unfortunately it didn’t work out and we’re on to the Chiefs.” Reports indicate that Johnson showed signs of frustration following the Texans’ playoff win, where he played just 16 snaps, accounting for 22 percent of offensive plays.
Johnson’s journey has been tumultuous over the last year. After starting with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he was traded to the Carolina Panthers in October, and eventually waived by the Ravens. His time in Baltimore ended with a suspension for conduct detrimental to the team during Week 15, illustrating ongoing issues with finding a stable team fit. Moving forward, Johnson again enters the waiver wire, and his future in the league remains uncertain.
The Texans will shift their focus to other receivers, including John Metchie III and Robert Woods, as they navigate the playoff landscape without Johnson. Throughout his career, he has shown potential, amassing 391 receptions, 4,363 yards, and 25 touchdowns over 77 games. Johnson was notably selected for the Pro Bowl in 2021, highlighting his capabilities during a standout season with the Steelers.
Despite the setback, there remains hope that Johnson may attract interest from other teams looking to bolster their receiving corps. His previous performance at a high level suggests that with the right opportunity, he could reignite his career elsewhere.