Wide receiver Diontae Johnson’s tumultuous 2024 season continued to twist and turn as he was waived by the Houston Texans on Tuesday — just days after his wild-card win against the Los Angeles Chargers. Multiple reports indicate that Johnson’s release came after he “made a scene” in the locker room after the team won.
🚨REPORT: Despite winning their playoff game, #Texans WR Diontae Johnson was ANGRY and upset after the game because he was not getting enough targets.
Johnson’s teammates were trying to calm him down; Johnson was angry because he was not on the field enough.
Wow… 😳
(Via NBC) pic.twitter.com/mrQeAkqZbk
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) January 14, 2025
ESPN reported that Johnson appeared visibly frustrated postgame, sitting fully dressed at his locker and showing displeasure over his limited playing time and lack of targets. He caught one pass for 12 yards on 16 offensive snaps during the 32-12 playoff victory. Johnson’s frustration reportedly boiled over during a celebratory moment in the locker room, where the team was bonding and smoking cigars.
Two of Johnson’s teammates and the two captains of the team — running back Joe Mixon and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair — reportedly tried to calm Johnson down but failed. Johnson’s release came after the incident as the team prepares for its divisional-round matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Diontae Johnson’s tumultuous Season
This marks the latest chapter in a rocky season for the 28-year-old receiver. Before he was traded to the Baltimore Ravens in October, Johnson played seven games with the Carolina Panthers this year. But his time in Baltimore was short-lived, suspended from a Week 13 matchup with the Eagles after refusing to get on the field and the team eventually let him go. The Ravens waived him Dec. 20 and the Texans claimed him the following week after receiver Tank Dell was lost for the season.
Also Read: Houston Texans: Promoted a 2023 Undrafted Free Agent, Following Departure of Disgruntled Receiver
Even with his obvious talent, Johnson has not found a permanent home this season bouncing between four teams. The original beef between Johnson and the Texans was that Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans had praised his work ethic and skill set, but the locker room incident was the last straw.
Now, Diontae Johnson will be a free agent, but his reputation as a talented player has suffered this year for reasons off the field. His ability to adapt to a new environment will be under the microscope, but wide receiver depth struggling teams might bite because of his talent.
Where does Diontae Johnson go from here? Share your thoughts below.
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