The unpredictability of NFL rosters was on display again as the Houston Texans announced the release of wide receiver Diontae Johnson. The move came on the eve of their eagerly anticipated divisional-round game against the Kansas City Chiefs, adding a layer of intrigue to the already high-stakes matchup.
Johnson's journey this season has been anything but straightforward. He has worn the jerseys of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens, and finally, the Houston Texans. His brief stint with the Texans began just before Christmas, on December 23, after being waived by Baltimore. With Houston, he saw action in the final regular-season game and the subsequent Wild Card round, making modest contributions during his short tenure.
An Inconsistent Journey
Playing time for Johnson with the Texans was limited, but he did manage to make the stat sheet. In the regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans, he hauled in two passes for a total of 12 yards. His presence was noted again in the Wild Card round against the Los Angeles Chargers, where he contributed a single reception, again for 12 yards, across 16 offensive snaps. Despite playing in 22 percent of the team's offensive snaps in that playoff contest, his impact remained minimal.
Johnson's release was announced with little ceremony, as Head Coach DeMeco Ryans remarked, "With Diontae, unfortunately, it didn’t work out and we’re on to the Chiefs." His words suggested a shift in focus as the Texans gear up to face their next challenge in Kansas City without the services of star receivers Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell.
Reconstruction of the Receiving Corps
The absence of Diggs and Dell means that receivers John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson will be tasked with stepping up to support Nico Collins against the formidable Chiefs defense. Ryans and his coaching staff will be relying on these players to fill the void left by the released Johnson and the unavailable starters.
Johnson’s professional journey has seen its share of highs and lows. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a season in which he posted impressive numbers: 107 receptions, 1,161 yards, and eight touchdowns. However, the receiver also experienced setbacks, including a suspension for conduct detrimental to the team by the Ravens, which contributed to his peripatetic season.
Trading Places
Earlier this year, Johnson was part of a trade involving the Carolina Panthers. The Ravens traded him away, along with a sixth-round pick, in exchange for a fifth-round selection. While this trade seemed to hold promise, the subsequent release by the Texans underlined the volatility and uncertainty inherent in an NFL career.
As the Texans approach their critical matchup against the Chiefs, they do so with a receiver corps in transition. The hope for Texans fans is that this reshuffling leads to a galvanizing performance against one of the league's elite teams. Meanwhile, Diontae Johnson will look ahead to the next chapter, reflecting on a season that has taken him across the NFL landscape and hoping for stability and success.