The Ravens wasted no time cutting their losses with Diontae Johnson, waiving the wide receiver after just seven weeks of drama and minimal contributions. The timing of the move—one day before their pivotal matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers—was no accident.
The Ravens clearly wanted to ensure Johnson couldn’t suit up for his old team in a game with major AFC North implications. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport believes so as well:
Potential destinations for Diontae Johnson include the Steelers, Chiefs, and Chargers, per @RapSheet. pic.twitter.com/3UXtPAWtrD
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) December 22, 2024
Johnson’s time in Baltimore was one of the shortest and most forgettable tenures in recent team history. Brought in at the trade deadline to provide a spark, he instead became a constant distraction. In four games, Johnson managed just one catch for six yards while logging 39 offensive snaps. The low point came in Week 13, when he refused to enter a game against the Philadelphia Eagles, earning him a suspension for conduct detrimental to the team.
That was essentially the beginning of the end.
Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter have reported that several franchises are expected to be interested. While Johnson’s production in Baltimore was non-existent, his overall career numbers—422 catches for 4,726 yards and 28 touchdowns—could make him an appealing option for teams desperate for receiver help.
What teams would be willing to take on Diontae Johnson's drama?
Updated: Diontae Johnson has been claimed by the Houston Texans
Let’s be honest: Johnson is talented, but he’s also a headache. The Ravens learned that the hard way, and now someone else will have the chance to find out for themselves. The Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs are rumored to be among the potential suitors, but don’t rule out the Steelers, who have a glaring need at wide receiver with George Pickens sidelined by a hamstring injury.
The Steelers’ involvement would add an extra layer of intrigue to this already messy situation. Ian Rapoport reported the Ravens deliberately waited to waive Johnson to ensure he wouldn’t be able to sign with Pittsburgh before Saturday’s game. That level of pettiness feels fitting for a player who gave Baltimore nothing but headaches.
For teams considering Johnson, the risk is clear. Sure, he’s capable of solid production—he caught 30 passes for 357 yards and three touchdowns in seven games with Carolina earlier this season. But his track record of attitude issues and questionable commitment are impossible to ignore.
It’s also fair to wonder whether Johnson’s recent struggles stem from deeper problems. He’s now flamed out with three teams in less than a year, and his behavior in Baltimore raises serious red flags about his willingness to buy into a team-first mentality.
At this point, Johnson’s next destination feels like a gamble. Will he rebound and prove Baltimore wrong? Or will he continue to be a talented player who creates more problems than solutions? For the Ravens, the answer doesn’t matter anymore.
Baltimore has officially washed its hands of the Diontae Johnson saga. He’s now someone else’s problem—a headache for another team to manage. As the Ravens focus on their playoff push, they can rest easy knowing they’ve moved on from a player who clearly didn’t want to be there.
Now that Johnson has cleared waivers, he’s free to sign with any team willing to take the risk. Maybe he’ll bring the same chaos to his next stop that he left behind in Baltimore.