Report: Texans claim Diontae Johnson off waivers

The Houston Texans have claimed wide receiver Diontae Johnson off waivers, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The move comes after Houston lost wideout Tank Dell to season-ending knee injuries during Saturday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Johnson began the 2024 season with the Carolina Panthers before being traded to the Baltimore Ravens in October. However, his Ravens stint didn't go as planned, as he made one catch for six yards in four games.

Baltimore waived Johnson on Dec. 20 after suspending him for one game because he refused to enter a contest versus the Philadelphia Eagles on Dec. 1. The Los Angeles Chargers also put a waiver claim on Johnson this week, but the Texans had higher priority, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Johnson's contract is worth $625,000 for the remainder of the 2024 season.

The 28-year-old played his first five NFL seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who traded him to the Panthers last offseason. Carolina then dealt Johnson to Baltimore before the trade deadline after he caught 30 passes for 357 yards and three touchdowns in seven appearances with the Panthers.

Johnson enjoyed his best year with the Steelers back in 2021 and set career highs with 107 receptions, 1,161 yards, and eight TD catches en route to earning a Pro Bowl berth that year.

Adding a veteran pass-catcher with the playoffs in sight makes sense for a Texans team that's lost Dell and Stefon Diggs, who sustained a torn ACL in October. Nico Collins headlines Houston's wide receiver depth chart, which also features John Metchie and Robert Woods, among others.

The 9-6 Texans - who've already clinched the AFC South this year - host the Ravens on Wednesday. If the season ended today, Houston and Baltimore would also play each other in the first round of the payoffs.