Texans Release Diontae Johnson

Source: Wide receiver Diontae Johnson #18 of the Houston Texans stands on the sidelines during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, at NRG Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans have cut wide receiver Diontae Johnson Tuesday after just two games with the franchise. With his release from the Texans, this makes it the third time a team has moved on from Johnson this season alone, and the fourth time in less than a year.

Johnson was reportedly visibly upset on the sidelines, with teammates attempting to calm down, according to Click 2 Houston. Johnson caught one pass during the Texans’ 32-12 win Saturday over the Los Angeles Chargers. He previously caught two passes in Week 18 against the Tennessee Titans. His frustration with his role at his last two stops was a factor in eventually finishing the regular season in Houston. As of Tuesday afternoon, there’s no confirmation on whether or not his frustration played a factor in his release from the Texans.

On March 12, Johnson was traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Carolina Panthers. He lasted only seven games with Carolina before he was shipped off to the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 29. He spent the next seven weeks with the Ravens, before the franchise suspended and then later waived him on Dec. 20. The Texans picked up Johnson off waivers on Dec. 23.

Johnson is a pending unrestricted free agent this offseason. It remains to be seen if there will be a market for him ahead of the 2025 NFL season.