Steelers' chances at a reunion with controversial Pro Bowler come up short due to NFL rule

The Baltimore Ravens had a reason for releasing WR Diontae Johnson when they did. Sure he had already run his course, but the timing is what matters.  The Ravens knew that by releasing Johnson on Friday, he would be subject to the waiver wire and it came back to bite the Steelers: Texans Sign Diontae […]

Rob Gregson — NFL News Writer
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Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Diontae Johnson (left) and Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (right) talk on the field before their game at Acrisure Stadium.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Diontae Johnson (left) and Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (right) talk on the field before their game at Acrisure Stadium.

The Baltimore Ravens had a reason for releasing WR Diontae Johnson when they did.

Sure he had already run his course, but the timing is what matters. 

The Ravens knew that by releasing Johnson on Friday, he would be subject to the waiver wire and it came back to bite the Steelers:

Texans Sign Diontae Johnson off Waivers

"The timing, of course, was interesting for the release, because had they released him a day earlier, maybe his old team, the Steelers could have claimed him and then played him against the Ravens," said Ian Rapoport of NFL media when discussing the Baltimore Ravens decision to release Diontae Johnson. "They wanted to make sure that did not happen."

Prior to that report from Rapoport, there was only speculation that Pittsburgh may get involved in reuniting with Johnson, and Mike Tomlin wasn’t going to be apart of that speculation. 

"I have nothing to add about somebody who's not on our football team right now," said Tomlin on Sunday.

So Johnson will end up playing on Christmas after all, but it’s going to be as a member of the Houston Texans opposed to the Baltimore Ravens or Pittsburgh Steelers.