Former Pro Bowl wide receiver Diontae Johnson has been on his fourth team since a year ago. Johnson started the season in Carolina after the Pittsburgh Steelers traded him to the Panthers in exchange for cornerback Donte Jackson and the 178 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
After just seven games in Carolina, the 28-year-old Johnson was traded to the Baltimore Ravens along with a 2025 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Johnson’s play on the field was not an issue for the Panthers, but something else appeared to be bubbling under the surface for Carolina to trade him for such a small return.
The Ravens’ offense was firing on all cylinders at the time, leading to questions as to how another top wide receiver would fit into the equation with starting receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman and tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely taking the majority of the passing targets.
Such questions were correct with each passing week that saw Johnson relegated to a minuscule number of offensive snaps. This led to the moment that ultimately ended Johnson’s short stint in Baltimore as he refused to enter the game against the Philadelphia Eagles as a form of protest following an injury to Bateman. The Ravens suspended the veteran receiver for one game following the incident, later waiving Johnson on December 20, ahead of their game against Johnson’s original team, the Steelers. Johnson’s tenure in Baltimore ended with just one catch for six yards.
Three days later, Johnson was claimed by the Houston Texans. The Texans enter the playoffs with a decimated wide receiver corps, having lost both Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell to season-ending injuries, so Johnson may be able to find a role with his fourth team.
Johnson was asked about what happened with the Ravens.
“I just want to leave that in the past,” Johnson said. “I had a good time there. I got some good teammates over there.”
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