Texans Release Diontae Johnson Ahead of Critical Matchup
The Houston Texans have released wide receiver Diontae Johnson, marking a pivotal roster change before their divisional matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Johnson's tenure with the Texans was brief yet eventful, adding another layer of complexity to a season marked by constant movement.
Johnson, who was claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens on December 23, quickly found himself in and out of the Texans' lineup. During his short stint in Houston, he played two games, making notable appearances when it mattered. In the team's regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans, he managed to catch two passes for 12 yards. In the Texans' dramatic wild-card victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, he contributed modestly with one catch for the same distance of 12 yards, participating in 16 offensive snaps, which accounted for roughly 22% of the team's plays in that game.
A Season of Changes
Johnson's 2021 season has been a whirlwind. His journey began with the Pittsburgh Steelers, moved to the Carolina Panthers, and then transitioned to the Baltimore Ravens before arriving in Houston. Baltimore acquired him from the Panthers in October through a draft-acquisition trade that saw the Ravens giving up a fifth-round draft pick while receiving a sixth-round pick in return. However, his time with the Ravens was marred by a suspension in Week 15 for conduct detrimental to the team, leading to his eventual release.
Despite the tumultuous season, Johnson's career statistics remain impressive. Over 77 games, he has accumulated 391 receptions, more than 4,363 yards, and 25 touchdowns. Notably, Johnson's performance reached a zenith in 2021, earning him a Pro Bowl selection with Pittsburgh, with formidable stats of 107 receptions, 1,161 yards, and eight touchdowns.
Shifting Roster Dynamics
With Johnson's exit, the Texans are actively exploring ways to strengthen their receiving corps. John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson are among the talents likely to receive more opportunities to make an impact on the field. Importantly, Nico Collins continues to cement his place as the team's top receiver, a vital offensive weapon as the Texans advance further into the playoff season.
The Texans' decision to release Diontae Johnson may have surprised some, but it underscores the unpredictable nature of roster management in the NFL. Teams are continually making adjustments to optimize their lineups, especially when facing high-stakes playoff scenarios such as their upcoming clash with the Chiefs.
While Johnson's journey with the Texans has come to an end, the fluid nature of NFL careers suggests that opportunities may arise elsewhere. As the playoffs intensify, teams across the league remain vigilant, adjusting rosters to balance strategy and performance in pursuit of championship success.