While Diontae Johnson’s tenure with the Baltimore Ravens came with a roller coaster of unplanned events, he’s looking for a fresh start and smooth sailing down with the Houston Texans.
“I’m going to leave that in the past. Fresh start here,” Johnson told reporters on Monday. “I had a good time there. I got some good teammates over there. Those relationships are still gonna be there. I’m trying to win games and go far in the playoff.”
Claimed off waivers ahead of the postseason, Johnson joins the Texans (9-7) for the final weeks of the 2024 season after being placed on waivers by Baltimore earlier this month. He looks to stabilize the passing attack as the No. 2 option behind Nico Collins en route to a postseason push.
New #Texans wide receiver Diontae Johnson said he’s embracing fresh start and putting the past behind him from stint with #Ravens @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/KyLxEu0H8F
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 30, 2024
But Johnson’s path to Houston differs compared to most players looking to shore up their chances for a ring. Two months ago, he was playing for the Carolina Panthers.
Now, he’s on his fourth team to close out 2024.
“We’ll see how he can help us, what he can add to our team on the field and off the field.” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said.
Houston needs stability at receiver entering the playoffs. Stefon Diggs is out for the season with a torn ACL. Earlier this month, Tank Dell suffered a season-ending knee injury that could force him to miss all of the 2025 campaign.
Diontae Johnson spoke to media for the first time as a member of the Houston Texans.
The talented wide receiver could potentially add some much needed juice to the AFC South Champs.
“Just keep the ball ahead of the sticks. Me adding that brings another weapon.” pic.twitter.com/BsVs7oVxvz
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) December 30, 2024
Enter Johnson, who was on pace for another Pro Bowl-esque season with the Carolina Panthers. In seven games before being traded to the Ravens, the 2021 Pro Bowler led the NFC South franchise with 30 catches for 257 yards and three touchdowns.
“I feel like I add a lot of value in just my ability to get open, create space off the line and my YAC ability after I catch the ball,” Johnson said. “I keep the ball ahead of the sticks. Me adding that is just another weapon for the rest of the guys.
“Being another weapon makes the offense that much better.”
In Baltimore, he finished with one catch for a 6-yard gain. After refusing to play on Dec. 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Johnson was suspended for a game internally. He then was excused from the team for Week 15 before being released on Dec. 20.
“With Diontae, adding him to our team, he’s a guy who has talent. He’s done it at a high level,” Ryans said. “He’s bounced around a little bit here. It really doesn’t matter what’s happened in the past, or what the narrative is about. You come here and everything is a fresh start.”
Diontae Johnson on what he’s noticed with the Texans.
“Team first. Everybody is about the team, I’m about the team too. So I’m doing whatever the coaches ask me to do.”
— DJ Bien-Aime (@Djbienaime) December 30, 2024
The Texans hope to get the version of Johnson that caught fire in Charlotte for the remainder of the 2024 season. While he’s only spent a week in Houston, Johnson said he could sense a difference in the locker room dynamics.
“Everybody is about the team, I’m about the team too,” Johnson said. “So I’m doing whatever the coach is asking me to do.”
Houston can’t move out of the No. 4 seed in the AFC playoff picture, but it can clinch a second 10-win season under Ryans with a victory on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.
Johnson is expected to play along with the rest of the Texans’ starters. Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.