Baltimore Ravens helmet shown on field. The team has signed Diontae Johnson.Baltimore Ravens helmet (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Diontae Johnson is getting a second chance with the Baltimore Ravens…but there’s a twist to the new chapter involving the well-traveled wide receiver.

Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Ravens claimed Diontae Johnson off waivers from the Houston Texans. The move comes three weeks after the Texans, ironically, claimed the former Pro Bowl wideout off waivers from the Ravens.

Here’s the twist though: The Ravens won’t be granted Johnson until after Super Bowl 59 on Feb. 9, therefore he isn’t eligible to play in the postseason. The Ravens visit the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round on Sunday.

And here’s another fascinating tidbit: Since Diontae Johnson qualifies as a free agent in the offseason, Baltimore could receive an extra compensatory pick in 2026 if he signs with another team.

More from Schefter:

“This a procedural move and Johnson won’t officially be “awarded” to the Ravens until after the Super Bowl. But he qualifies as an unrestricted free agent this offseason and, if he signs with another team, he factors into Baltimore’s compensatory pick formula, potentially helping it obtain an additional draft pick in 2026. Johnson doesn’t have the ability to play this post-season and likely won’t step foot back into the Ravens’ facility. But he now can help Baltimore in the off-season.”

The Ravens acquired Johnson from the Carolina Panthers ahead of the trade deadline. But he caught just one pass for six yards in four game appearances and was suspended by the team for detrimental conduct.


Johnson’s tenure with the Texans didn’t go any better, as he had just two receptions for 12 yards in his lone regular season appearance. The ex-Pittsburgh Steelers star had one 12-yard catch in Houston’s Wild Card Round win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

Diontae Johnson’s Nightmare 2024 Season Is Over

Many were surprised when the Steelers traded Johnson to the Panthers in the offseason, given their lack of productive wide receivers behind George Pickens. But judging by Johnson’s awful 2024 year split with three teams, it’s clear the Steelers made the right call.

There have been multiple reports indicating that Johnson has been a problem for teams in the locker room. The veteran wideout won’t get a big contract in 2025 free agency, but if Johnson lands with the right team, he just might manage to rebuild his value and save his career.