Baltimore Ravens Claim Diontae Johnson Off Waivers from Houston Texans

In what appears to be more of a procedural move than an impactful roster addition, the Baltimore Ravens have claimed wide receiver Diontae Johnson off waivers from the Houston Texans. The move, announced Wednesday, is believed to be tied to compensatory draft pick strategies or financial considerations rather than an immediate on-field need.

Johnson’s Stint with the Texans

The Houston Texans waived Johnson following their wild-card playoff victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, which advanced them to an AFC Divisional Round matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Johnson, previously claimed off waivers by Houston from Baltimore just before a Christmas Day game against the Ravens, played a limited role during his brief tenure with the Texans.

Over two games, Johnson saw 38 offensive snaps—22 during the Week 18 regular-season finale and 16 in the wild-card win. In that span, he recorded three catches for 24 yards, contributing minimally to Houston’s passing attack.

Why Baltimore Made the Move

Baltimore’s decision to reclaim Johnson appears to align with their long-term roster management strategy rather than a need to bolster their receiving corps. By bringing Johnson back on paper, the Ravens may be positioning themselves to leverage compensatory draft pick rules or manage financial implications tied to his contract.

It’s unlikely Johnson will see any action with Baltimore this postseason, especially since the Ravens were eliminated from playoff contention. Instead, the move underscores the nuanced, behind-the-scenes maneuvers NFL teams often make to maximize resources and future opportunities.

What’s Next for the Texans

The Texans, meanwhile, continue their postseason journey without Johnson. Their trip to Kansas City marks a significant challenge, but Houston remains focused on advancing in the playoffs after a commanding win against the Chargers. While Johnson’s departure creates a minor vacancy, the Texans have other wide receiver options to maintain their offensive scheme.

A Brief but Eventful Year for Johnson

Diontae Johnson’s journey this season has been marked by roster shuffles and limited opportunities to showcase his talent. Initially with Baltimore, he was claimed by Houston and contributed modestly before being waived again. While his future in the league remains uncertain, teams clearly see value in his potential—even if it’s primarily for procedural or strategic purposes.

As the Ravens and Texans continue their respective paths, Johnson’s story serves as a reminder of the business side of the NFL, where even minor moves can have broader implications.