Problematic playmaker Diontae Johnson is on waivers again after playing just two games with the Houston Texans. According to multiple reports, the wide receiver became a distraction in the locker room since he didn’t like the role he had in the win against the Los Angeles Chargers. It makes sense now why the Baltimore Ravens were fast to release him and his trade from the Carolina Panthers. Originally selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Toledo product was hoping to get a larger role within the Texans’ offensive scheme, visibly frustrated after the win but his teammates were attempting to calm him down.
Houston said enough was enough and now are waiving him where he might not get another opportunity until next season. Johnson hasn’t had a full regular season play since the 2023 campaign, playing alongside George Pickens where both men were fighting for the No. 1 receiving spot before head coach Mike Tomlin did not like Johnsons’ lack of effort. It’s hard to imagine where the playmaker goes from here after catching 391 passes for 4,363 yards and 25 touchdowns in 77 career matchups. However, he should have some type of market and Johnson might become reluctant to sign with a team that doesn’t give him the reps he wants.
Diontae Johnson has played for 1/8 of the NFL in the last 12 months.
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— theScore (@theScore) January 14, 2025
Diontae Johnson On Waivers Again – Chargers, Chiefs Among Teams Who Could Take On The Headache
Next Possible Teams
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have a bright future ahead of themselves but that’s only if Jim Harbaugh could continue salvaging the passing game for quarterback Justin Herbert. In their wild-card loss, it’s clear Quentin Johnston isn’t the answer for full-time duties. Rookie Ladd McConkey is a star in the making while Joshua Palmer will become a free agent, they should try their gut and sign Diontae Johnson to a one-year deal. The Chargers need a consistent wide receiver to help McConkey in the aerial and perhaps, Johnson could be the man to do so with a large role to his liking.
Kansas City Chiefs
Meanwhile, assuming the Kansas City Chiefs will lose Marquise Brown and DeAndre Hopkins this March, they should be in the market for another wide receiver. Rookie Xavier Worthy and third-year Rashee Rice will be their long-term starters for Patrick Mahomes, but he needs more pass catchers if they want Mahomes to continue throwing darts. Diontae Johnson might be the last person they could think of but anyone who came into the organization, became a better receiver and the success of Marquez Valdes-Scanlting in New Orleans is evident.
New Orleans Saints
Speaking of the Saints, the team will go into another offseason embracing cutting several veterans to save their salary cap. Valdes-Scantling is a good temporary fix but he isn’t someone long-term like Rashid Shaheed. They might have to wait and see what Chris Olave will do but this should motivate whoever will become the head coach for the organization to sign a wide receiver to help Derek Carr.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys will probably be in the market for a wide receiver since they’ll likely lose Brandin Cooks. Even though the organization has strayed away from free agency and has been dependent on the draft, they should look for a pass catcher with experience. Dak Prescott isn’t getting any younger and he can’t afford to continue rebuilding so maybe a one-year deal could be efficient to see what Johnson could do alongside CeeDee Lamb as the No. 2 wideout.
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