Diontae Johnson is hoping a fresh start in Houston can put an otherwise tumultuous season behind him.
The Texans wide receiver spoke with the local media Monday for the first time since being claimed off waivers last week, and Johnson is looking to contribute in any which way he can as a newcomer.
“Team first. Everybody’s about the team,” Johnson said about the team culture in Houston. “I’m about the team, too, so I’m doing whatever the coaches are asking me to do. Whether it’s special teams, punt return… Just contributing in some sort of way, that’s all I’m really worried about.”
Johnson was waived by the Ravens less than two months after being acquired via midseason trade with the Panthers. His short time in Baltimore featured just one 6-yard reception in four games, followed by a one-game suspension from the club after refusing to enter a Week 13 loss against the Eagles and an excused week-long absence before getting released.
“I just want to leave that in the past,” Johnson said of his time in Baltimore. “Fresh start here. I had a good time there, got some good teammates over there that I got to know or whatever. So, those relationships are still gonna be there. Like I said, I’m moving forward, I’m here, I’m trying to win games and go far in the playoffs.”
Johnson’s unusual arrival could potentially be a windfall for a Texans team that lost WR Tank Dell to a devastating knee injury in Week 15. Two months prior, Stefon Diggs suffered an ACL tear that also ended his season prematurely in Week 8 and Houston has struggled ever since, producing a 3-5 record.
The Texans still managed to win the AFC South despite an injury-laden season at wideout, which included a four-game absence by Nico Collins. The C.J. Stroud-led offense has struggled and Christmas Day’s 31-2 shellacking to the Ravens was just the latest indication.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans was glad to get Johnson and is on board with seeing his arrival as a much-needed fresh start.
“With Diontae, adding him to our team, it’s a guy who has talent,” Ryans said Monday. “He’s done it at a high level for other teams. Has bounced around a little bit here. As I mentioned to him, of course it’s a clean slate starting with me. It really doesn’t matter what has happened in the past or what the narrative is about you. You come here and everything is a fresh start and so we’ll see how he can help us, what he can add to our team on the field and off the field.”
Johnson generated 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns in seven games for Carolina this season, the type of production the Ravens were hoping to add when acquiring the former Pro Bowler.
Now Houston will be seeking the full extent of Johnson’s talent, and it will get a first look during Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Titans. The 28-year old might also be looking to show out for a team he’s been wanting to play for.
“I was excited ’cause I wanted to come here before, like when I was about to get traded a while back,” Johnson said. “So now that I’m here, it’s a fresh start and I’m looking forward to playing on Sunday.”
Tyisha Pekar
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