Diontae Johnson's Unstable Season Culminates in a Release from the Texans
The Houston Texans have released wide receiver Diontae Johnson, marking yet another chapter in his tumultuous season. This move was executed ahead of the Texans' divisional clash with the formidable Kansas City Chiefs. Johnson’s release comes after a brief stint with the Texans, where he joined the team through waivers from the Baltimore Ravens on December 23.
Brief Tenure with the Texans
During his time with the Texans, Johnson participated in two games, making a modest impact on the field. In the regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans, Johnson managed to catch two passes for a total of 12 yards. He followed this up in the Texans' wild-card triumph over the Los Angeles Chargers by catching one pass for another 12 yards. Despite these efforts, he only played a total of 16 offensive snaps in that playoff victory, constituting about 22% of the team’s plays.
With such limited contributions, it's no surprise that the Texans are seeking to fill Johnson's position with promising talents like John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson. Nico Collins remains their top receiver as the franchise continues its journey through the playoffs.
A Season of Highs and Lows
Johnson's career this season has been defined by transitions. Before arriving in Houston, he had spells with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers, and Baltimore Ravens all within the same year. His journey with the Ravens began in October, when they acquired him from the Panthers by trading a fifth-round draft pick while receiving a sixth-round draft pick in return.
However, Johnson's time in Baltimore was marred by disciplinary issues, as he was suspended in Week 15 due to conduct detrimental to the team. This incident may have been a contributing factor to his eventual departure from the Ravens and subsequent availability on waivers.
A Look Back at Johnson’s Career
Throughout his career, Diontae Johnson has shown glimpses of his potential. Over 77 games, he has amassed 391 receptions, more than 4,363 yards, and has scored 25 touchdowns. Most notably, Johnson was selected for the Pro Bowl in 2021 while playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. That season, he recorded impressive stats with 107 receptions, 1,161 yards, and eight touchdowns.
Despite these commendable achievements, the 2022-2023 season has been a rollercoaster year for Johnson. Facing both trades and waivers twice in a season is not typical for a player of his caliber, and certainly hints at underlying issues, both on and off the field, that have prompted such instability.
What Lies Ahead
As the Texans prepare for life beyond Diontae Johnson, they aim to stabilize their roster and solidify their receiving corps. With young prospects and experienced players ready to step up, the team is poised to continue its pursuit of playoff success. For Johnson, however, the future is uncertain. He will need to re-establish himself and work on the elements of his game and character that led to his release.
In a league as competitive and scrutinized as the NFL, the margin for error is slim, but for talented players like Diontae Johnson, there can often be opportunities for redemption and renewal. As he navigates this next phase of his career, whether through another team in the NFL or beyond, the lessons from this season are bound to play a crucial role in shaping his professional journey.