Less than a month after his initial release, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Diontae Johnson was claimed off waivers on Wednesday.
The Houston Texans released the 28-year-old former Pro Bowler after he played in two games for them, including their AFC Wild Card win over the Los Angeles Chargers.
Johnson was originally cut by the Ravens on December 23 following a team-issued suspension for allegedly refusing to enter a game against the Philadelphia Eagles on December 1. During his four games with Baltimore, he managed just one reception for six yards.
He will not be eligible to play for the Ravens in the postseason, having already appeared in the playoffs for Houston. However, he will be available to compete again in 2025.
Despite this, Johnson is set to test unrestricted free agency after the Super Bowl. While the Ravens could choose to re-sign him, the team would now be in line to receive a conditional draft pick if he signs elsewhere.
Johnson began the 2024 season with the Carolina Panthers after spending five years with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His performance in Carolina was underwhelming, with 30 catches for 257 yards and three touchdowns in seven games.
Reportedly unhappy in Carolina, the Panthers traded Johnson to Baltimore for a fifth-round pick and a sixth-round choice, a modest return for a player of his caliber.
However, his time with the Ravens was short-lived, as he faced disciplinary action from the team. “We have made the difficult decision to suspend Diontae Johnson for our upcoming game against the New York Giants for conduct detrimental to the team,” Ravens GM Eric DeCosta announced in a statement. “Diontae’s suspension stems from refusing to enter our game against the Philadelphia Eagles… We will have no further comments on this matter.”
At the time, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson expressed frustration with the situation. “We want him out there,” Jackson said. “He’s a great receiver. We didn’t get him from the Panthers for nothing.”
Johnson’s time in Houston also ended on a sour note. He was reportedly upset about his lack of involvement in the offense during the Texans’ win over the Chargers, leading to visible frustration.
According to Click2Houston, team captains Azeez Al-Shaair and Joe Mixon attempted to calm him down. Ultimately, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans made the decision to move on. “Unfortunately, with Diontae, it didn’t work out. We’re on to the Chiefs,” Ryans said.
Texans wide receiver Robert Woods reflected on the situation, saying, “It’s part of the game. Everyone’s competitive and wants to be their best, but it’s tough. The NFL is a tough profession. That’s all there is to it.”
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