Dionate Johnson was waived by the Baltimore Ravens and claimed by the Houston Texans.
It looks like the universe just pulled an Uno reverse card on his position.
Johnson, who was waived by Houston Tuesday morning, is back with the Ravens after being picked up off waivers.
That doesn’t mean he’ll play another down with the franchise, but instead, general manager Eric DeCosta could be looking for an additional draft pick.
Since Johnson won’t officially move to the Ravens the day after the Super Bowl on Feb. 10, he qualifies as an unrestricted free agent. By claiming him, the Ravens will have a chance at earning a compensatory selection for the 2026 draft depending on the contract Johnson signs in free agency.
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
According to ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime, Johnson asked for his release following Houston’s 32-12 win over the Los Angeles Chargers after hauling in one pass for a 12-yard gain.
Following the victory, the veteran receiver was visibly upset while sitting in his locker fully dressed, venting out his frustration to other players. Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and running back Joe Mixon were seen trying to talk to him with the media present.
“Unfortunately, with Diontae, it didn’t work out,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Tuesday. “We’re on to the Chiefs.”
In two games with the Texans, Johnson caught three passes for 24 yards. Before being cut by the Ravens, he had one catch for six yards in seven games and only played in 39 snaps.
Johnson was also suspended by Baltimore after he refused to enter a game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Dec. 1.
That’s one way to get a comp pick, if yet another team is willing to give Diontae Johnson some money come March. https://t.co/DuSIZNkdKI
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 15, 2025
Before being traded to the Ravens, Johnson caught 30 passes for 257 yards and three touchdowns as a member of the Carolin Panthers, who acquired him from the Pittsburgh Steelers before the season.
If another team signs him this offseason, Johnson will have played for five teams in less than two seasons.
The Texans, who added Jared Wayne in place of Johnson, head to Arrowhead Stadium to take on the Kansas City Chiefs this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN and ABC.
