The latest turn in Diontae Johnson‘s journeyman 2024 season took place yesterday when he was waived by the Texans. The veteran wideout’s future for the remainder of the campaign has now been settled. 
Johnson was claimed off waivers by the Ravens on Wednesday, per the transactions wire (h/t ESPN’s Adam Schefter). To be clear, this is merely a procedural move; he will not suit up for Baltimore over the remainder of the postseason. Like all waived players at this time of year, Johnson will not formally be awarded to the team until after the Super Bowl.
By virtue of being a Raven once the league year ends, Johnson departing on the open market could put Baltimore in line for a 2026 compensatory pick. More immediately, this move prevents the 28-year-old from becoming a free agent amongst the eight remaining playoff team. Had Johnson cleared waivers, an interested suitor could have brought him in as depth option on offense.
Considering how this campaign has played out, of course, it would have come as a surprise if any team had been particularly keen on bringing Johnson in for the stretch run. The former Steeler was traded to the Panthers this offseason, and his early production with Carolina was notable given the team’s offensive struggles. As the trade deadline approached, it became clear a deal sending the pending free agent elsewhere was likely, and he was sent to Baltimore.
That move resulted in sparse usage, however, something Johnson took issue with. After making only four appearances with the Ravens, he was waived and claimed by the Texans as part of their efforts to replace the injured Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell. Johnson played only one game during the regular season before taking part in last week’s wild-card contest, and his playing time (or lack thereof) was again an issue. The Toledo product’s latest departure came as no surprise, and it compounds what will already be a very poor free agent market this spring.
Now, Johnson will be able to turn his attention to free agency in March. Once his two-year, $36.71MM pact expires, it will be interesting to see how many teams are willing to entertain signing him.