COULD THIS BE MY…I’ve fought tooth and nail, but it feels like I’m running out of road. How much more can I give before it’s all…
Diontae Johnson entered the 2024 NFL season with hopes of proving his value before entering free agency. However, his year has been tumultuous, leading to his release by the Houston Texans just days before their critical matchup against the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs. This decision marks the end of a challenging chapter for Johnson, who has played for four teams in a single year.
Why Did the Texans Cut Diontae Johnson?
The Texans announced Johnson’s release on Tuesday, but they did not provide an immediate explanation for the move. Speculation suggests that his attitude and limited contributions to the team played a role. KPRC 2 Houston reporter Chancellor Johnson noted that Johnson appeared “dejected” in the locker room following the Texans’ wild-card victory over the Chargers.
Despite the team’s success, Johnson’s personal performance has been underwhelming. He played only 16% of the offensive snaps during the Chargers game, managing just one catch for 12 yards. In his Houston debut during Week 18, Johnson caught two passes but failed to make a significant impact. With top receivers Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs sidelined by injuries, Johnson still struggled to climb the depth chart and carve out a meaningful role in the Texans’ offense.
Johnson’s frustration with his role isn’t new. Earlier in the season, while with the Ravens, he refused to enter a game, earning a suspension and ultimately being waived. This pattern of behavior may have influenced Houston’s decision, as the team prioritized unity and focus heading into their most important game of the season.
A Year of Turmoil: Diontae Johnson’s Career in 2024
Johnson’s journey over the past year has been anything but stable. He began the 2023 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers and continued playing for them into January 2024. However, he was traded to the Carolina Panthers during the offseason, where he posted 357 yards and three touchdowns in seven games. Despite these contributions, Carolina dealt him to the Baltimore Ravens before the trade deadline.
Johnson’s time in Baltimore was short-lived. He recorded just one catch during his stint with the Ravens and was eventually waived following disagreements with the organization. In December 2024, the Texans claimed Johnson off waivers, hoping he could fill a gap in their depleted wide receiver corps. However, he only played two games in Houston, with minimal contributions.
Now, after being waived by the Texans, Johnson faces free agency for the first time in his career. If he clears waivers unclaimed, he will have the opportunity to sign with a new team. However, his recent history may make teams hesitant to take a chance on him.
Texans’ Depth Chart at Wide Receiver
With Johnson’s release, the Texans are left with a thin wide receiver lineup. Here’s how their depth chart currently looks:
1. Nico Collins: The undisputed leader of the Texans’ receiving corps, Collins has been the focal point of their passing attack.
2. Robert Woods: The veteran receiver brings experience to the group but hasn’t been a game-changer in recent performances.
3. John Metchie III: After battling health challenges, Metchie has shown flashes of potential but is still finding his rhythm.
4. Xavier Hutchinson: The rookie receiver made a highlight-reel 34-yard catch against the Chargers, though it was his only target in the game.
The Texans’ receiving corps has struggled to fill the void left by injuries to Dell and Diggs. In Saturday’s win over the Chargers, Woods and Metchie combined for just 50 receiving yards on 12 targets, while Hutchinson contributed one significant play. Despite these struggles, Johnson didn’t convince the Texans’ coaching staff that he could be part of the solution.
What’s Next for Diontae Johnson?
Johnson’s release by the Texans caps a year of instability and unmet expectations. Moving forward, his prospects in the NFL are uncertain. While his talent is undeniable—evidenced by his productive stretches with the Steelers and Panthers—his inconsistency and reported attitude issues may deter teams from signing him.
For Johnson to salvage his career, he will need to demonstrate a willingness to adapt and contribute positively to a team. Whether another NFL team gives him that chance remains to be seen, but at just 28 years old, he still has time to turn things around.
What This Means for the Texans
The Texans’ decision to cut Johnson underscores their focus on preparing for their upcoming game against the Chiefs. As significant underdogs, Houston needs a unified and disciplined team to compete against the defending champions. By releasing Johnson, the Texans may have eliminated a potential distraction and signaled their commitment to players who are fully invested in the team’s success.
Houston’s wide receiver corps remains a concern heading into this pivotal matchup. With Dell and Diggs sidelined, the team will rely heavily on Collins, Woods, and Metchie, along with contributions from Hutchinson. Quarterback C.J. Stroud has performed admirably as a rookie, but he will need strong support from his receivers to give the Texans a fighting chance against Kansas City.
Final Thoughts
Diontae Johnson’s release by the Texans marks the end of a challenging and unstable year for the wide receiver. Despite opportunities with four different teams, he struggled to find a consistent role and has now been waived yet again. For Houston, the move reflects a desire to prioritize team cohesion and focus as they prepare for their biggest game of the season.
As Johnson enters free agency, his future in the NFL remains uncertain. To revive his career, he will need to address the concerns that have followed him this season and prove that he can be a reliable and positive presence on a team. Meanwhile, the Texans must navigate their receiving challenges and rally around their remaining players as they take on the Chiefs.
