Texans Waive Diontae Johnson Ahead of Divisional Clash
In a move that caught many fans off guard, the Houston Texans announced they have waived wide receiver Diontae Johnson just days ahead of their highly anticipated divisional-round matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The decision adds yet another chapter to Johnson’s peripatetic NFL season, which has seen him don the jerseys of multiple teams.
Johnson’s journey through the 2023 NFL season has been as diverse as it is tumultuous. Following a successful tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he made a name for himself as a Pro Bowl receiver in 2021—catching 107 passes for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns—his career has become a whirlwind tour of the league. Having suited up for the Panthers and Ravens earlier this year, Johnson found a short-lived home with the Texans after being waived by Baltimore in late December.
His time in Houston, however, proved fleeting. Johnson managed to participate in two games for the Texans, making minor contributions in each. In the regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans, he caught two passes for a total of 12 yards. During the intense Wild Card clash with the Los Angeles Chargers, his involvement remained limited. Targeted once, he made a single catch for another 12 yards, playing 16 offensive snaps—a mere 22% of the team’s total on that day.
The Texans now face the challenge of taking on the formidable Kansas City Chiefs without both Johnson and other key wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell. Head coach DeMeco Ryans acknowledged the situation, stating, "With Diontae, unfortunately, it didn’t work out and we’re on to the Chiefs." The Texan’s remaining receiving corps, consisting of John Metchie III, Robert Woods, Xavier Hutchinson, and driven by the efforts of Nico Collins, will need to step up against one of the league’s most potent defenses.
Johnson’s path to the Texans was less than straightforward. Before landing in Houston, he found himself in the midst of a noteworthy trade. The Baltimore Ravens dealt him to the Carolina Panthers, packaging him with a sixth-round pick in exchange for a fifth-round selection. However, his stint with Carolina didn’t last, as off-field issues surfaced; he was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team, which set the stage for his eventual pickup by the Texans.
This decision to waive Johnson comes as an interesting strategic pivot for the Texans, reflecting perhaps on both the past and the potential future for the player and team alike. Houston must now sharpen its focus on preparing for one of the toughest games of the season while grappling with their shaken roster. Meanwhile, Diontae Johnson, despite a challenging year, will be looking for the next opportunity to showcase the skills that once earned him Pro Bowl honors.
As the Texans grapple with their next steps and Johnson navigates his next career move, the football world will certainly keep a keen eye on how both parties evolve from this moment. What remains clear is that the NFL narrative continues to offer its share of unexpected turns, with the saga of Diontae Johnson standing as a testament to the league’s unpredictability.