Diontae Johnson dumped by Texans after postgame outburst

On By Littum

Just two games played was all it took for the Texans to wave the white flag.

Houston waived Diontae Johnson on Tuesday, marking the third team to move on from the troubled wide receiver this season.

The 28-year-old wideout contributed just three receptions for 24 yards for the Texans, including his one catch for 12 yards in the team’s wild-card win over the Chargers on Saturday.

Houston Texans wide receiver Diontae Johnson (82) runs the ball after a reception against Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Deane Leonard (33) and safety Derwin Jarnes Jr. (3) in the third quarter of an AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

According to KPRC’s Aaron Wilson, Johnson was visibly distraught after the catch and teammates, including captain Azeez Al-Shaair, tried to reassure him over what he believes is another disappointing role that has led to missed opportunities.

As a result, Johnson is a pending unrestricted free agent as the Texans prepare to face the Chiefs in the divisional round.

In his six-year career, Johnson has been through four teams and endured two trades and two cuts.

Prior to the 2024–25 season, he was traded to the Panthers from the Steelers, with whom he was with for five seasons.

His Houston downfall comes on the heels of a troubled seven weeks with the Ravens, who cut Johnson on Dec. 20, setting up a botched trade from the Panthers.

In Baltimore, drama arose from Johnson’s outwardly expressed displeasure with the lack of touches and opportunities he would get with the NFC North champions, and it eventually boiled over enough for the Ravens to place him on waivers.

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Diontae Johnson warms up before an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Baltimore. AP

Johnson had just one catch for 6 yards across four games with the Ravens, appearing in just 16 percent of the team’s offensive snaps. He was also suspended for refusing to participate in a Dec. 1 game against the Eagles.

However, the 66th overall pick of the 2019 draft was apparently off to a good start with the Texans, as head coach DeMeco Ryans indicated prior to Saturday’s Chargers game.

“With Diontae, I was really impressed with this last week of practice,” Ryans said. “I thought he picked up on the things we asked him to do. I thought he had some really good catches, really good plays throughout practice and he came into the game. We were able to get him as well bit into the game I thought he did really well We will continue to feed him more to see how he can help us.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (5) before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Bob Donnan-Imagn pictures

“The skill set, the talent is there, it’s just a matter of him integrating into our offense and making sure we put him in positions where we can highlight his talents because he’s a talented player. He’s played a loads of games in this league and it’s exciting to see what he’s been able to do on the practice field so I’m excited to see it come to life on game days, he’s done a great job, a pleasure to work with Diontae. He has been a pleasure to work with.”

But apparently things changed after kickoff.

Johnson’s best season, which earned him his only Pro Bowl nod, came in 2021 with the Steelers. He had 107 receptions to go for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns.

The Lennard, Fla. native. hasn’t hit 1,000 yards since.