This will likely be Johnson’s second revenge recreation in two months, however the Houston match additionally all of the sudden proves very important for the veteran broad receiver’s long-term worth. Johnson’s refusal to enter the Ravens’ Week 13 recreation introduced a suspension, and the AFC North group didn’t convey the commerce acquisition again for Week 15. The events formally separated late final week, sending Johnson to waivers.
At this level, Johnson is a slightly risky funding. He sought exits from Pittsburgh and Carolina this yr, seeing each groups transfer on. Whereas backup-level gamers have journeyed to 4 groups in a single yr earlier than, it’s fairly uncommon for a participant of Johnson’s caliber to take action. How Johnson fares in Houston will assist form his 2025 free agent market, which has seemingly taken a considerable hit after the occasions of this yr.
Past Johnson’s current points, he has been considered one of this decade’s greatest at creating separation. The previous third-round decide ranked within the high 4 in ESPN’s Open Rating metric annually from 2019-22, main the league twice in that span. Johnson was among the many league’s high target-commanding wideouts throughout his time in Pittsburgh, drawing not less than 140 seems from 2020-22. Delivering his just one,000-yard season throughout Ben Roethlisberger‘s 2021 finale, Johnson finally wore out his welcome in Pittsburgh. However he has proven a capability to create house; that will likely be vital for a Texans group that has misplaced two of its high three receivers.
The Texans’ Christmas Day recreation towards the Ravens will likely be slightly attention-grabbing now, as Johnson will see a group he just lately clashed with instantly after being claimed. It is probably not a lock Johnson performs, however with the Texans so shorthanded post-Diggs and Dell, he might have a restricted position.
Tertiary standing performed a central position in Johnson’s Baltimore exit; the sixth-year receiver was believed to be dissatisfied taking part in behind the Ravens’ Zay Flowers–Rashod Bateman–Nelson Agholor trio. However Baltimore didn’t transfer the commerce pickup into its high three; Johnson maxed out at 17 snaps in a recreation as a Raven. After an prolonged break post-Christmas, Johnson may even see an expanded alternative in Houston, because the Texans will want a confirmed cross catcher to enhance Nico Collins as they put together for a house playoff recreation.
It is going to be attention-grabbing to study if another groups claimed Johnson. The Chargers and Chiefs got here up as potential touchdown spots through a declare. The Bolts sat one spot forward of the Texans within the NFL’s present waiver precedence, that means they didn’t submit a declare. Houston was comfortably forward of Kansas Metropolis, nonetheless, and this can forestall the two-time reigning champions from additional including to their wideout room. Nevertheless, Marquise Brown‘s return does give the Chiefs an almost full depth chart, with DeAndre Hopkins having changed Rashee Rice.
The Steelers have been missing at receiver throughout George Pickens‘ hamstring-driven absence. The group that originally moved on from Johnson this yr was not anticipated to make an effort to reacquire him, per veteran Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly. Pittsburgh has Mike Williams and Calvin Austin in place as Pickens’ complementary choices and the group’s high weapon is anticipated again to face the Chiefs on Christmas.
Johnson might make his Texans debut shortly after that Chiefs-Steelers recreation wraps, and whereas he did solely catch one cross as a Raven, it’s notable he performed a daily position with the Panthers this season. Though he fell out of favor in Charlotte, Johnson caught 30 passes for 357 yards and three touchdowns with the Panthers. The NFC South group moved on from him for a surprisingly low-cost return — a pick-swap deal involving fifth- and sixth-round selections — and agreed to pay a lot of the wage. In consequence, the Texans are including Johnson for subsequent to nothing.
This can assist a Texans group in the identical predicament as 2023’s squad, as Dell has suffered a season-ending harm for the second straight yr. Houston has the likes of Robert Woods, John Metchie and Xavier Hutchinson as fill-in choices. Whereas Woods is a extra adorned receiver, he’s additionally 32. Johnson is 28 and will likely be taking part in to enhance his 2025 market.
Nevertheless, this declare offers the Texans unique negotiating rights with Johnson till March 10. With Diggs a free-agent-to-be and Dell set to rehab two important accidents (ACL tear, dislocated kneecap), how Johnson performs as a Texan might affect the group’s considering at receiver.
