Diontae Johnson Released by Houston Texans
In a surprising roster move, the Houston Texans have released wide receiver Diontae Johnson just days before their divisional playoff clash against the Kansas City Chiefs. Johnson's stint with the Texans was brief but eventful, highlighting the often-unpredictable nature of the NFL where roster changes are frequent, especially for those on the fringes.
Brief Tenure with the Texans
Johnson joined the Texans under intriguing circumstances, having been claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens on December 23. His time with Houston saw him take the field in two pivotal games, each contributing to the team's postseason scenario. In the regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans, Johnson managed to haul in two receptions, accumulating a modest 12 yards. During Houston's wild-card victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, he continued to provide support by catching one pass for another 12 yards. In that playoff game, Johnson participated in 16 offensive snaps, accounting for roughly 22% of the Texans' plays, illustrating a role that, while limited, was certainly part of the team's broader strategy.
A Year of Highs and Lows
Johnson's 2022 season has been a whirlwind, marked by multiple team changes and transactions. Initially with the Pittsburgh Steelers, his journey took him to the Carolina Panthers and then to the Ravens before landing with the Texans. Baltimore acquired him from the Panthers in October, navigating a transaction that involved a swap of draft picks, exchanging a fifth-round pick for a sixth-rounder to secure his services. However, his time with the Ravens was tarnished by a suspension in Week 15 for conduct detrimental to the team, an issue that arguably shadowed his on-field contributions.
A Proven Track Record
Despite these setbacks, Johnson's career numbers paint the picture of a reliable receiver. Over 77 games, he has amassed 391 receptions, over 4,363 yards, and 25 touchdowns—a testament to his ability to perform at a high level across varying team environments. Notably, he enjoyed a stellar 2021 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, earning a Pro Bowl selection with impressive stats: 107 receptions, 1,161 yards, and eight touchdowns. This performance highlighted his potential as a top-tier NFL receiver.
Texans’ Depth and Future Outlook
The decision to release Johnson comes as the Texans aim to strategize for future success with a focus on some of their promising talents. John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson are among the receivers aimed at stepping up in Johnson's absence, with Nico Collins already established as the Texans' leading receiver during this playoff run. The team's ongoing playoff campaign offers an opportunity for these players to showcase their skills on a grand stage, underscoring the Texans' broader vision for a deep and versatile receiving corps.
While Johnson's departure may raise eyebrows, it aligns with the Texans' intentions to solidify their receiver lineup, providing younger players with a chance to make significant contributions. With a seasoned professional like Robert Woods guiding less experienced talents and the potential of standout performances from Metchie and Hutchinson, the Texans appear to be building a receiving unit capable of dynamic plays under pressure.
For Johnson, this latest release adds another chapter to his already eventful professional narrative. While his next destination remains uncertain, his proven capabilities and previous accolades suggest that opportunities may continue to arise in the ever-demanding landscape of the NFL. As the Texans look ahead to their crucial matchup against the Chiefs, they do so with a reinvigorated focus on developing their roster for both immediate impact and long-term potential.