“It didn't work out”: Diontae Johnson's short tenure with Houston Texans concludes following emotional reaction in Wild Card victory

Diontae Johnson's stint with the Houston Texans was short-lived, lasting just two games before his release on January 14, 2025. During those games, he registered three receptions for 24 yards. His exit came after an emotional outburst following a reception in the Wild Card victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, where he seemed noticeably upset.On January 14, 2025, the Houston Texans released wide receiver Diontae Johnson as they geared up for their divisional-round playoff matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. "Unfortunately, with Diontae it didn't work out," coach DeMeco Ryans said Tuesday. "We're on to the Chiefs."After the Texans' Wild Card playoff win over the Los Angeles Chargers, Diontae Johnson appeared visibly frustrated in the locker room due to limited playing time and targets. He played just 15 out of 70 offensive snaps and had only one target, recording one catch for 12 yards. Teammates Joe Mixon and Azeez Al-Shaair tried to console and encourage him.Preceding joining the Texans,Diontae Johnson's 2024 season was marked by notable team transitions and difficulties. After being traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Carolina Panthers on March 12, 2024, he led the Panthers in receiving through seven games, recording 30 catches for 357 yards and three touchdowns. However, his tenure with the Panthers was short-lived, as he was traded to the Baltimore Ravens on October 29, 2024. In Baltimore, Johnson faced disciplinary issues, including a one-game suspension for refusing to enter a game against the Philadelphia Eagles on December 1, 2024.The Steelers selected Johnson in the third round of the 2019 draft, and throughout his time with Pittsburgh, he accumulated 391 receptions for 4,363 yards and 25 touchdowns. Remarkably, he earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2021 with his only 1,000-yard season and a career-best eight touchdown catches in quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's final year.Also Read: “Save your time”: Mike Tomlin gave a stern response to rumors of a possible exit as head coach of the Steelers due to interest from other NFL teamsCurrently, Johnson is an impending unrestricted free agent. His prospects in the NFL are unclear, due to his recent struggles with team integration and dissatisfaction with his position.