Diontae Johnson is ready for a fresh start. The former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver is now a member of the Houston Texans.
Diontae Johnson Ready For Fresh Start
New #Texans wide receiver Diontae Johnson said he's embracing fresh start and putting the past behind him from stint with #Ravens @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/KyLxEu0H8F
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 30, 2024
While speaking to the media on Monday, Johnson said he does not want to focus on his tumultuous tenure in Baltimore. Instead, Johnson is moving on and focusing on helping the Texans.
“I just want to leave that in the past,” Johnson said via Aaron Wilson of KPRC. “Fresh start here. I had a good time there, got some good teammates over there that I got to know or whatever. So, those relationships are still gonna be there. Like I said, I’m moving forward, I’m here, I’m trying to win games and go far in the playoffs.”
After starting the season with the Carolina Panthers, Johnson was traded to the Baltimore Ravens at the deadline.
Johnson was expected to become one of Lamar Jackson’s top targets. However, Johnson only recorded one catch in four games. The Ravens then suspended one game for refusing to enter the Ravens’ Week 13 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Following the suspension, Johnson was excused from team activities before being waived. The Texans then claimed Johnson, who is excited to contribute to a playoff team.
“Team first. Everybody’s about the team,” Johnson said when asked about the Houston Texans. “I’m about the team, too, so I’m doing whatever the coaches are asking me to do. Whether it’s special teams, punt return… Just contributing in some sort of way, that’s all I’m really worried about.”
Houston Texans Preparing For Playoff Run
New #Texans wide receiver Diontae Johnson learning the ropes @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/4I0u49RDwF
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 30, 2024
Johnson will get an opportunity to play right away for the Texans after the Tank Dell injury. The Texans also lost Stefon Diggs to a season-ending ACL injury.
Johnson can realistically step in and become C.J. Stroud’s No. 2 wide receiver, Nico Collins.
The Houston Texans (9-7) have already clinched the AFC South and the No. 4 seed.
The Texans finish the regular season on the road against the Titans (3-13) on Jan. 5.