Texans waive WR Diontae Johnson, reportedly because of same issues he had with Ravens

Sam Cohn, The Baltimore Sun on Jan 14, 2025

Published in Football

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BALTIMORE — Diontae Johnson told local reporters in December the issues that plagued his short stint in Baltimore would be left in the past and his new chapter in Houston would be a fresh start.

That didn’t last long.

Johnson, 28, was reportedly placed on waivers ahead of Houston’s AFC divisional round matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs, effectively ending his journeyman season having suited up for four teams in the past calendar year.

The Ravens acquired Johnson from the Carolina Panthers at the trade deadline in October. He was brought in with the expectation that he’d add depth to a strong group of pass catchers and operate as an insurance policy should one go down. When one did — Rashod Bateman exited with a knee injury against the Eagles on Dec. 1 — Johnson refused to enter the game.

His tumultuous time in Baltimore spiraled from there. He was suspended for a week because of conduct detrimental to the team, the Ravens said. He had been visibly upset in the locker room after at least two games. Then, after his suspension, he was excused from team activities before a paramount Week 16 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. And he was gone a week later, having played a total of 39 offensive snaps with one catch for 6 yards in four games.

The issues that plagued Johnson’s time in Baltimore did not usher in a fresh start in Houston.

Texans reporter Aaron Wilson shared on X that Johnson was visibly upset after catching his only target for 12 yards in 16 snaps during an AFC wild-card round win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday. Teammates “were trying to calm him down,” according to Wilson, addressing Johnson’s displeasure in his role, an issue that marred his time as a Raven.

Johnson’s first game with the Texans was on Christmas Day against the Ravens. He did not play but was seen sharing pleasantries with his former teammates.

Houston cutting him loose means there’s no chance of a reunion later this month in the AFC championship round, should Baltimore get past Buffalo and Houston upset Kansas City.

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