Claim Diontae Johnson could bring Ravens draft bonus

Diontae Johnson is back for a second stint with the Ravens — but that has nothing to do with trying to help them win a Super Bowl this season.

Baltimore claimed its former receiver off waivers from the Texans on Wednesday, but will not officially be able to add him to the list until February 10, the day after the Super Bowl.

Johnson will qualify as an unrestricted free agent this offseason, which is likely why the Ravens are bringing him back.

The 28-year-old is “assigned” to the Ravens, which qualifies them to land a compensatory pick in the 2026 draft if he signs elsewhere – allowing him to help Baltimore without taking a step back on the field.

He was cut by the Texans on Tuesday following the team’s win over the Chargers after the former Steelers player was seen sitting in his locker, upset over his lack of playing time and opportunities.

Johnson had just three catches for 24 yards in his two games with Houston, and head coach DeMeco Ryans was neutral in moving on from him.

The Texans visit the Chiefs in the divisional round on Saturday.

“Unfortunately, with Diontae, it didn’t work out,” Ryans told reporters Tuesday. “We move on to the leaders.”

The Texans took Johnson off waivers on December 23 after the Ravens released him when he refused to participate in the team’s game against the Eagles on December 1.

He had just one catch for six yards for Baltimore.

Johnson, drafted in the third round in 2019, was one of the NFL’s most productive receivers during his five seasons with the Steelers.

He went on to make 391 catches for 4,363 yards and 25 touchdowns and was a Pro Bowler in 2021, but was traded to the Panthers in March 2024.

Carolina sent him to the Ravens in October, and now he’s back in Charm City.