Texans Shake Up Receiving Corps
In a surprising move, the Houston Texans have released wide receiver Diontae Johnson just days before their crucial divisional playoff matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Johnson's release marks the second time he has been waived this season, adding another chapter to what has been a tumultuous year for the former Pro Bowl receiver.
A Frequent Traveler
Johnson's 2023 season has seen him don multiple uniforms as teams shuffled him through their ranks. His journey this season began with the Pittsburgh Steelers, followed by stints with the Carolina Panthers and the Baltimore Ravens before he landed with the Texans in late December. Baltimore traded Johnson to the Ravens from the Panthers, swapping a fifth-round draft pick for a sixth-round pick as part of the deal. Yet Johnson’s time with the Ravens wasn't without incident; he was suspended in Week 15 for conduct deemed detrimental to the team.
After being claimed off waivers by the Texans on December 23, Johnson appeared in two games for Houston. Despite his brief tenure, he showed flashes of the talent that made him a sought-after player. Johnson caught two passes for 12 yards in Houston's regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans. During the Texans' wild-card victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, he was on the field for 16 offensive snaps, totaling approximately 22% of the team's plays, and hauled in one pass for another 12 yards.
A Stellar Resume
Despite the challenges of the current season, Johnson holds an impressive career resume. Over 77 games, he has notched 391 receptions, accumulating more than 4,363 yards and scoring 25 touchdowns. He had a career zenith in 2021 with the Steelers, which earned him a Pro Bowl selection thanks to his 107 receptions, 1,161 receiving yards, and eight touchdown catches.
Texans Overhaul Offensive Strategy
The Texans appear ready to move forward with a revised strategy for their receiving corps, perhaps anticipating the need for fresher legs and different skill sets as they face tough playoff competition. Diontae Johnson's departure opens up the opportunity for rising talents such as John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson to step into more prominent roles.
While these players represent the future, Nico Collins remains a central figure in the Texans' passing game. As the top receiver, Collins will be pivotal in Houston's offensive schema as it presses deeper into the postseason.
As Houston continues its playoff journey, the team's willingness to make bold, strategic personnel changes could prove decisive. The elimination of Diontae Johnson from their active roster represents both a significant risk and an opportunity for the Texans to galvanize their ranks with emerging talents who are eager to make their mark on the postseason stage.