Diontae Johnson’s long and winding season took another turn Wednesday.
The Ravens claimed Johnson off waivers from the Texans just one month after the team released Johnson itself, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.
Johnson started the 2024 season with the Panthers, as Carolina acquired him from the Steelers in the offseason. Then the Panthers traded him to the Ravens before the trade deadline. But Johnson’s time in Baltimore was messy, with a team-imposed suspension and just six receiving yards in four games.
When Johnson was cut from Baltimore’s roster, the Texans claimed him off waivers with two weeks left in the season. In the end, Johnson played two games with Houston, totaling three catches and 24 receiving yards before the team waived him this week.
Now, the Ravens added him back, this time off waivers. But due to NFL rules, Johnson’s contract won’t be “awarded” to the team until after the Super Bowl.
The Sporting News examines Baltimore’s decision to add Johnson for the second time.
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Why did the Ravens claim Diontae Johnson?
By claiming Johnson, who is set to hit unrestricted free agency in the offseason, the Ravens are now in position to add him to their compensatory pick formula assuming Johnson signs elsewhere in the offseason. Therefore, even though Johnson will not play another down for the Ravens, the team will still get value from letting him go in free agency.
Baltimore is an organization that typically uses comp picks to its favor in the offseason, and this could be another example of that.
Additionally, the Ravens are ahead of fellow playoff contenders Bills and Chiefs in the waiver order, and this move blocks either of those teams from claiming him.
Diontae Johnson 2024 stats
| Team | Games | Targets | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
| Panthers | 7 | 58 | 30 | 357 | 3 |
| Ravens | 4 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 0 |
| Texans | 2* | 5 | 3 | 24 | 0 |
*Includes postseason
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