Texans Release Diontae Johnson Ahead of Chiefs Clash
In a somewhat surprising move, the Houston Texans have released wide receiver Diontae Johnson just before their much-anticipated divisional matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Johnson's brief stint with the Texans saw the receiver participate in only two games, following his recent waiver claim from the Baltimore Ravens on December 23.
Brief Tenure with the Texans
Diontae Johnson's time with the Texans was short but eventful. The wide receiver featured in their regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans, making two receptions for a total of 12 yards. Additionally, during Houston's wild-card triumph over the Los Angeles Chargers, Johnson contributed with one catch covering 12 yards. Although his statistical contribution was limited, he was on the field for 16 offensive snaps, which equated to about 22% of the team's total plays in that particular matchup.
Career Journeys and Statistics
Johnson's career path in 2023 has been a whirlwind of trades and waivers. Earlier in the season, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers, and Baltimore Ravens all featured on his resume. His journey to Baltimore included a trade from the Panthers, which involved the exchange of a fifth-round draft pick while the Panthers received a sixth-round pick in return. However, his journey with the Ravens took a downturn when he faced suspension in Week 15 due to conduct that was deemed detrimental to the team.
Despite these challenges, Johnson's career statistics are noteworthy. He has recorded 391 receptions, accumulated over 4,363 yards, and scored 25 touchdowns in 77 professional games. His most notable year came in 2021 when he earned Pro Bowl honors with the Pittsburgh Steelers. During that standout season, he tallied 107 receptions for 1,161 yards and scored eight touchdowns, solidifying his reputation as a reliable offensive asset.
Looking Forward for the Texans
With Johnson's departure, the Texans are setting their sights on bolstering their roster with emerging talents such as John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson. Nico Collins continues to spearhead the Texans' receiving corps as they advance further into the playoffs. Houston's strategic focus seems to be on ensuring depth and consistently high performance in their offensive lineup, especially with a challenging playoff road ahead.
The Texans' decision to part ways with Diontae Johnson could be seen as a move to reinforce their long-term strategy, balancing experience with emerging talent. The team is certainly hoping that this adjustment will bring the desired depth and agility, particularly with their sights set on triumphing over formidable opponents like the Chiefs.
As the NFL playoff season intensifies, teams making these strategic roster changes is a testament to the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature of professional football. The Texans' resolve in reshaping their squad underscores their commitment to adaptability and competitive success. Only time will tell how these changes will play out on the field.