Diontae Johnson has been cut by the Texans and will now begin his second stint this season with the Baltimore Ravens.
Diontae Johnson’s NFL journey took another turn as the Baltimore Ravens claimed him off waivers just a day after his release from the Houston Texans, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. It’s a move that raises eyebrows, as Johnson is ineligible to play this season and cannot officially rejoin the Ravens until after the Super Bowl. Yet, the decision hints at Baltimore’s forward-thinking strategy.
Follow all of our NFL coverage!
Diontae Johnson’s Brief Sting in Houston is Finished
Johnson’s brief stint with Houston, his third team this season, was marked by modest contributions. Signed on Dec. 26 following Tank Dell’s season-ending injury, he appeared in one regular-season game and the Texans’ wild-card win against the Los Angeles Chargers, tallying three catches for 24 yards. Despite limited impact, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans offered a succinct parting remark: “Unfortunately, it didn’t work out. We are onto the Chiefs.”
So why would the Ravens bring him back? The answer lies in the NFL’s compensatory pick formula. As an unrestricted free agent this offseason, Johnson’s potential departure to another team could secure Baltimore an additional draft pick in 2026. The move underscores Baltimore’s commitment to maximizing assets, even for players who may not contribute on the field.
Back to Baltimore: The Ravens claimed their former WR Diontae Johnson on waivers today from the Texans, per the league’s wire. This a procedural move and Johnson won’t officially be “awarded” to the Ravens until after the Super Bowl. But he qualifies as an unrestricted free agent… pic.twitter.com/5bGRL9ymcX
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 15, 2025
Johnson, 28, started the season with the Carolina Panthers, playing seven games before being traded to Baltimore in late October. He made four appearances for the Ravens but was waived on Dec. 20 following a suspension for refusing to enter a Week 13 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. His time in Houston was brief, logging just 16 snaps in the Texans’ wild-card victory.
For now, Johnson’s NFL future remains uncertain, but his journey highlights the complex and strategic maneuvering behind the scenes in professional football. Meanwhile, the Texans move forward, preparing for a showdown with the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday.
Why Was Diontae Johnson Cut by Houston?
According to Texans beat reporter Landry Locker, wide receiver Diontae Johnson was “visibly upset” during the Texans’ AFC Wild Card victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, creating a scene in the locker room postgame. Reports indicate Johnson’s frustration stemmed from his limited role in the game, which saw him catch just one pass for 12 yards while playing only 16 offensive snaps.
Diontae Johnson made a scene in the locker room after the game where cigars were literally being smoked and the team was bonding, happy to get a W.
It’s very easy to see why Tomlin was over him, not Pickens and Baltimore, one of the best organizations in NFL, bailed.
— Landry Locker (@LandryLocker) January 14, 2025
The incident was reportedly the tipping point for Johnson’s time in Houston, as the team decided to part ways with the 28-year-old shortly after the game. This isn’t the first time Johnson’s behavior has come under scrutiny during the 2025 season. His release by the Baltimore Ravens in December followed a controversial refusal to enter a Week 13 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Johnson’s dissatisfaction over playing time has been a recurring theme in his career. His frustration, dejection, and inability to reconcile his role with team dynamics ultimately led to yet another abrupt exit.
