In a move that signals the changing landscape of the NFL, the Houston Texans have released veteran wide receiver Diontae Johnson, adding to the growing exodus of players from the league.
The Texans’ decision to release Johnson comes as no surprise to many. The 32-year-old receiver has been a valuable contributor to the team for several seasons, but his production has declined in recent years. With the emergence of younger receivers such as Brandin Cooks and Chris Conley, Johnson has become expendable.
The Texans’ release of Johnson is also a financial move. Johnson’s contract was set to expire at the end of the 2023 season, and he was due to make $8 million in base salary. By releasing him now, the Texans will save $6.7 million against the salary cap.
Johnson expressed disappointment at his release but said he understood the Texans’ decision. “I’ve had a great run in Houston,” Johnson said. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have played here, and I wish the team all the best in the future.”
Johnson is now a free agent and will likely draw interest from other teams. He has a proven track record of success, and he could still be a valuable contributor to a contending team.
Johnson’s release is part of a growing trend of veteran players being released by their teams. In recent months, several other notable players, including Julio Jones, T.Y. Hilton, and Jarvis Landry, have been let go by their respective teams.
There are several reasons for this trend. One factor is the increasing emphasis on youth and athleticism in the NFL. Younger players are often faster, stronger, and more explosive than their older counterparts, and they are often willing to play for less money.
Another factor is the rising cost of the salary cap. With the salary cap increasing only slightly in recent years, teams are forced to make tough decisions about which players to keep and which to let go. Veteran players often command higher salaries than younger players, making them more likely to be released.
The release of veteran players is having a significant impact on the NFL. The league is becoming younger and more athletic, and the days of veteran players playing well into their 30s are becoming increasingly rare.
This trend is likely to continue in the future. As the salary cap continues to rise, teams will be forced to make even more difficult decisions about which players to keep. Veteran players will need to adapt to the changing landscape of the NFL if they want to continue playing at a high level.
The release of Diontae Johnson by the Houston Texans is a sign of the changing times in the NFL. Veteran players are increasingly being released by their teams, and the league is becoming younger and more athletic. This trend has significant implications for the future of the NFL, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out in the years to come.
