Texans Release Diontae Johnson Ahead of Crucial Playoff Stage
In a surprising turn of events, the Houston Texans have parted ways with wide receiver Diontae Johnson ahead of a pivotal divisional matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Johnson's release comes after a brief stint with the Texans, where his performance appeared promising but was ultimately short-lived.
Johnson's Brief Tenure with the Texans
Diontae Johnson, who was acquired off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens on December 23, made his presence felt in the Texans' lineup despite limited opportunities. Appearing in two critical games, Johnson caught two passes for 12 yards against the Tennessee Titans in the regular-season finale. During the Texans' wild-card victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, he managed to secure one pass for another 12 yards, participating in 16 offensive snaps which accounted for approximately 22% of the team’s plays during that game.
A Journey Across Teams
Johnson's NFL journey this season has been a whirlwind, with the wide receiver having moved through multiple franchises. Starting with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he transitioned to the Carolina Panthers before making his way to the Ravens. Baltimore had acquired him from the Panthers in October, after exchanging a fifth-round draft pick and receiving a sixth-round pick in return. However, his tenure with the Ravens was marred by a suspension in Week 15 for conduct detrimental to the team, leading to his eventual waiver and subsequent claim by the Texans.
Having been both traded twice and waived twice within a single season, Johnson's career trajectory has been anything but stable. Despite these challenges, his career numbers are impressive. With 391 receptions, over 4,363 yards, and 25 touchdowns accrued across 77 games, Johnson has demonstrated his abilities as a reliable receiver. Highlighting his career, Johnson earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, an accolade earned through his remarkable 107 reception, 1,161 yards, and eight touchdown performance that season.
Texans’ Strategy Moving Forward
As the Texans strategize their next steps in the playoffs, they aim to bolster their receiving corps by focusing on alternative talents like John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson. Leading the receiving charge for Houston is Nico Collins, who remains the top target as the team advances in the postseason.
While Johnson’s release might have taken some by surprise given his potential and recent performances, it appears the Texans are confident in their existing lineup’s ability to perform against formidable playoff opponents. Houston’s decision to let go of Johnson could be seen as a move to streamline their roster and focus on the players they believe can deliver consistently in high-stake matches.
Conclusion
The release of a skilled player like Diontae Johnson underscores the often unpredictable nature of NFL team strategies and the constant evaluation process players undergo. As Johnson seeks his next opportunity, the Texans will lean on their remaining squad to navigate the challenges of the postseason. With a pivotal game against the Kansas City Chiefs on the horizon, the Texans are positioned to put their chosen lineup to the test, hoping that their decisions will lead them deeper into playoff contention.