Former Panthers WR Lands with AFC Contender

When the Carolina Panthers traded wide receiver Diontae Johnson and a sixth-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens for a fifth-round pick, the NFL world thought GM Dan Morgan didn't get enough. It was seen as a home run move for the Ravens, who were getting a big offensive boost ahead of the second half of the season.

Things didn't go according to the plan for Johnson in Baltimore. After failing to establish himself in the rotation, Johnson was suspended for a game after refusing to enter the game against the Eagles in Week 13. He was subsequently released by the Ravens after registering only one catch in four games.

The 28-year-old receiver now has a new home. On Monday afternoon, he was claimed by the Houston Texans. To make matters more fascinating, he will be facing the Ravens on Christmas in his first game as a Texan.

NFL News: Texans Sign Former Panthers WR Diontae Johnson

Houston is hoping that Johnson will replace Tank Dell, who suffered a devastating knee injury against the Chiefs on Saturday. Sitting at 9-6 atop the AFC South, the Texans are hoping to make a deep postseason run this year.

Johnson is no longer the 1,000+ yard receiver he was in his earlier seasons in Pittsburgh. However, even if he plays like the playmaker he was in the first half of the season with the Panthers, he could still be a valuable addition for the Texans. In his seven appearances in Carolina, Johnson led the Panthers in receiving with 30 catches, 357 receiving yards, and three touchdowns.

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