Former Steeler released by playoff team

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 19: Diontae Johnson #18 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the third quarter of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium on August 19, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo: Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 19: Diontae Johnson #18 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the third quarter of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium on August 19, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo: Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

The ongoing saga of the former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson continues. Multiple sources including Ian Rapoport are reporting that Johnson has been waived by the Houston Texans just days before their playoff showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Pittsburgh traded Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in the 2024 offseason after the team determined that his production on the field did not outweigh the non-football issues Johnson presented.

Since week eight of the 2024 season, Johnson has been on three NFL teams and has a total of four receptions. Now Johnson is looking for a team again instead of working in the playoffs with the Texans.

It’s incredible to think how far Johnson fell in such a short period of time. From 2020-2022, Johnson caught 281 passes for 2,966 yards. His production dipped in 2023, leading to the trade, and it’s been all downhill from there.

We know the Steelers have no qualms about bringing back former players as a sign of loyalty and whatnot, but in this case, as much as the Steelers need a wide receiver, it’s hard to see them entertaining the idea of bring Johnson back into the fold.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Former Steeler released by playoff team