1. Tyron Johnson
Of all of the practice squad moves and roster cuts made, not keeping Tyron Johnson in the organization was a mistake for the Houston Texans.
Johnson didn’t last long without a team, as the Buffalo Bills — the new home for former Texans general manager Brian Gaine — signed him to their practice squad, making a smart move for their franchise.
The Texans passed on Johnson for Vyncint Smith, who was on the roster last season and now on the Houston practice squad. This preseason with the Texans, Johnson, who is 23 years old, played in all four preseason games. In his first preseason outing against the Green Bay Packers, he showed flashes of what he’s capable of achieving in the NFL. In that game, Johnson totaled two receptions for 48 yards, and for the entire preseason he finished with five receptions for 75 yards.
Johnson was also a victim of the Texans just having a strong depth of players at wide receiver on their 53-man roster with that group including DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller, Keke Coutee, Kenny Stills, and DeAndre Carter. Plus, the practice squad now has Smith and Steven Mitchell Jr. listed.
It seems the Texans kept Mitchell Jr. and Smith over Johnson, and we’ll see who ends up better. Mitchell Jr. made one start this preseason (playing in all four games) with nine receptions for 67 yards with one lost fumble on his résumé. His best game was against the Detroit Lions with a 28-yard reception.
Johnson should still be with the Texans in some way early this season, and of all the cuts made, this one could be the most regrettable one made by the franchise.