Diontae Johnson wanted to help the Houston Texans win a Super Bowl.
Instead, he’ll be looking for fifth fifth team within 13 months.
In a surprise move, the Texans waived the veteran wide receiver just three weeks after claiming him off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens. He’s an impending free agent after the year, so only a team remaining in the playoffs could claim him for a run to New Orleans.
Johnson played in only two games with the Texans, including Saturday’s AFC wild-card playoff win against the Chargers, after joining the team right before Week 17’s Christmas Day matchup against his former team.
He finished with three catches for 24 yards and played in roughly 15 total snaps.
But why did the Texans waive the Pro Bowl receiver? Multiple reasons factored in, but one likely outweighed the rest.
Regarding Diontae Johnson— postgame in the locker room he seemed a bit dejected.
A couple of Texans captains came by for what seemed like encouragement at his locker.
Days later, the Texans waived him.
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) January 14, 2025
Following Houston’s 32-12 win over Los Angeles, Johnson was seen visibly upset in the locker room after presumably rarely being involved in the offense personnel. Meanwhile, everyone else was celebrating the double-digit victory to expand the season by another week.
Several teammates, including Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, were seen trying to talk to him with media present for interviews.
When Johnson was claimed off waivers, there were rumors that Johnson’s attitude hindered his success with the Ravens, leading to his suspension and eventual release. He refused to play in a game with Baltimore against the Eagles because of his lack of involvement in the offense earlier in the game.
According to the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander, that was a problem with the Carolina Panthers, too. Reportedly, Johnson “couldn’t get out of his own way” during his seven games with the Panthers to begin 2024.
We have waived Diontae Johnson and made another roster move. pic.twitter.com/gjFKOc5COS
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 14, 2025
The Texans now have two open spots on their roster ahead of the matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round. They’ll likely bring up tight end Teagan Quitoriano, who returned from the injured reserve but hasn’t been added to the 53-man roster, for one of the spots.
The other spot remains a mystery.
The Texans liked the potential of Johnson and needed a veteran receiver to pair with Nico Collins after Tank Dell suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 16. The hope was for Johnson to create separation and better the passing game.
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
Instead, Houston is back to trusting John Metchie III, Robert Woods and Xavier Hutchinson for Saturday’s matchup against Kansas City at Arrowhead.
As for Johnson, who knows what the future holds, but there’s no love lost in Houston.
