In a surprise, wide receiver Diontae Johnson was waived by the Houston Texans due to locker room issues less than a week before the team heads to its divisional-round game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday, January 18. According to several reports, Johnson was removed from the Texans’ roster due to his behavior in the locker room after the team’s win against the Los Angeles Chargers. Football fans following Johnson’s saga during the 2025 NFL season, though, may not be shocked, since he was released by the Baltimore Ravens after he refused to play in early December.

What are Diontae Johnson’s locker room issues?

Diontae Johnson’s was upset in the locker room after the Texans’ victory against the Chargers due to his frustration over “a lack of playing time and targets,” according to ESPN.

Broadcast Landry Locker further explained on X that Johnson “made a scene” in the locker room during a moment when the team was bonding and celebrating its win by smoking cigars. Two captains for the Texans, running back Joe Mixon and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, attempted to encourage him.

Johnson had only caught one pass for 12 yards during the playoff win, participating in 16 offensive snaps. His lack of playing time made him disgruntled and dejected, feelings that the wide receiver has had issues with in the past.

As reported by KPRC 2, Johnson will be replaced by wide receiver Jared Wayne from the Texans practice squad, according to a league source.

To this waiver into context, it likely did not happen because Johnson lacked the physical ability. Before the Chargers game, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said that he was “impressed” with Johnson’s practice and noted he had both the skillset and talent for him to be integrated into the team’s offense. Ryans was even “happy to work with Diontae” and that he “has been a pleasure to work with.”

After this season, Johnson will become an unrestricted free agent, but his notable frustrations this season will hinder him from being selected for another team.