The wild ride for Diontae Johnson during the 2024 season continues, as the former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver has been claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Ravens , less than a month after the Ravens released him, according to a report by Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Johnson was cut by the Ravens on Dec. 20 , weeks after refusing to play in a game for Baltimore. He served a one-week suspension and then sat out another week, as the Ravens wanted to ensure he couldn't be claimed by the Pittsburgh Steelers before the game between those teams on Dec. 21.
The Steelers did not put in a claim to reunite with Johnson , and he went ahead of them in the waiver wire anyway, with the Houston Texans claiming him.
Johnson played two games with Houston, in Week 18 against the Tennessee Titans , when he caught two of four targets for 12 yards, and then in Houston's Wild Card win against the Los Angeles Chargers , when he was targeted one, making a 12-yard reception.
Johnson reportedly had an outburst after the game in the locker room over displeasure with his role on the team, despite the fact that the Texans beat the Chargers. He was released by Houston on Tuesday.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson against the Buffalo Bills, Jan. 15, 2024 – Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Now, Johnson will be back with Baltimore for a second time after a contentious exit a month ago. The Ravens acquired Johnson at the trade deadline from the Carolina Panthers , and he played a minimal role in four games, including a return trip to Pittsburgh on Nov. 17. In four games with the Ravens, Johnson was targeted five times, making one catch for six yards.
Johnson's time with the Ravens took a turn on Dec. 1, when he refused to enter the team's game against the Philadelphia Eagles . After the team's bye, the Ravens suspended Johnson for their Week 15 game against the New York Giants . The Ravens then announced that Johnson would stay at home for team practices and would not play against the Steelers on Dec. 21.
The Ravens played without starting slot receiver Zay Flowers in their Wild Card win over the Steelers on Saturday, and Flowers did not practice again on Wednesday as Baltimore prepares to visit the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round this weekend.
Johnson could certainly help Baltimore's wide receiver depth, but he won't be eligible to play for them in playoffs, as teams participating in the postseason have their rosters locked. He will be officially awarded to the Ravens off waivers after the Super Bowl. By claiming him, Baltimore has the first chance to re-sign him before free agency in March. If Johnson plays with another team, he could count toward Baltimore's compensatory draft pick formula.
Johnson was originally drafted in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Steelers and spent his first five NFL seasons in Pittsburgh. He was traded to the Panthers by the Steelers this March in exchange for cornerback Donte Jackson and a swap of draft picks.
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