Texans Release Diontae Johnson Amid Season-end Shuffles
The NFL landscape is notorious for its unpredictability, and Diontae Johnson’s recent release by the Houston Texans is a testament to this ever-changing environment. As the Texans prepare for a critical showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs, Johnson finds himself navigating the turbulent waters of the NFL free agency once more.
Johnson's release comes on the heels of a short-lived tenure with the Texans, having been picked up off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens on December 23. His stint with the team was brief yet notable, seeing him participate in two pivotal games that have shaped Houston's late-season performance.
Johnson was on the field for the Texans’ regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans, securing two receptions and gaining 12 yards. Despite the low statistical impact, his presence contributed to Houston’s drive, even as the team sought to solidify its offense heading into playoff territory. During the Texans' wild-card triumph over the Los Angeles Chargers, Johnson managed to catch one pass, again for 12 yards, his contribution helping the team advance in the postseason. In that outing, he was on the field for 16 snaps, which accounted for roughly 22% of the team's offensive plays, indicating his involvement in the Texans' strategy.
Before his time with Houston, Johnson had seen action with several other teams in rapid succession. The Baltimore Ravens acquired him in October in a trade with the Carolina Panthers, involving a swap of draft picks that saw the Ravens give up a fifth-round pick in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Though his time with Baltimore was marred by a suspension in Week 15 for conduct detrimental to the team, Johnson's career has had its share of highlights.
Johnson's professional journey has seen him engage with multiple franchises within a single year, including the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, showcasing the journeyman nature of many athletes in the league. His capacity to adapt is noticeable, as his career statistics boast 391 receptions for over 4,363 yards and 25 touchdowns over 77 games. A particularly standout year for Johnson was 2021, during which he earned Pro Bowl honors as a Pittsburgh Steeler, tallying an impressive 107 receptions for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns.
The Texans, meanwhile, are turning their attention to a recalibrated receiving corps as they aim to continue their playoff success. With Johnson's departure, the focus shifts to a lineup fortified by talents such as John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson. All eyes will be particularly keen on Nico Collins, who has emerged as the Texans' premier receiver. His performance will be crucial as Houston navigates the demanding postseason.
In an NFL season marked by constant adjustments, the Texans' decision to part ways with Johnson serves as a reminder that in professional football, the only constant is change. As Houston continues to refine its roster for future success, Johnson will undoubtedly seek new opportunities to showcase the skills that have seen him journey across multiple NFL teams. For now, both player and team face forward, aiming for their respective goals in the ever-competitive arena of professional football.