The Baltimore Ravens have cleverly maneuvered to potentially secure another compensatory draft pick by claiming Diontae Johnson off waivers from the Houston Texans, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. Johnson, a former wide receiver for the Ravens, is set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season. Despite this procedural move, he won’t be eligible to play for Baltimore during the playoffs.
This season has seen Johnson change teams multiple times, marking a notable journey through the NFL. He began the year with the Pittsburgh Steelers before being traded to the Carolina Panthers in March, then to Baltimore, and finally to the Texans.
Ravens coach DeMeco Ryans highlighted the challenges during Johnson's tenure with the Texans, stating things 'didn’t work out' as the team prepares for their playoff matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Johnson had minimal playing time post his acquisition by Houston and his performance was limited to a few games and targets.
With a history of excelling in acquiring compensatory picks, the Ravens have now set themselves up for another opportunity in 2026. This strategy is backed by a system that rewards teams for losing more free agents than they gain, suggesting that even a low-tier pick holds significant value, especially for a franchise known for its strategic planning.
