Former Golden Gophers star wide receiver Tyler Johnson was claimed by the Houston Texans on Wednesday, a day after he was cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The 24-year-old from Minneapolis is an upgrade for Minnesota fans over Ihmir Smith-Marsette and rookie Jalen Nailor, who Johnson currently holds fourth and fifth on the WR depth chart behind Justin. Because I think so, I was immediately targeted. Jefferson, Adam Thielen, KJ Osborne.
The Vikings saw cuts Kerren Mond and Armon Watts picked up by the Browns and Bears, respectively, on Tuesday, but no waiver claims were granted.
Johnson should have a chance to play a big role in Houston alongside the likes of Brandin Cooks, Nico Collins, Chris Moore and Phillip Dorsett.
scroll to continue
With 36 catches for 360 yards and no touchdowns on 53 targets last season, Johnson is the third former gopher on Houston’s roster, after linebacker Blake Cashman and cornerback Eric Murray.
In his final two seasons at the University of Minnesota, Johnson totaled 164 catches for 2,487 yards and 25 touchdowns.
Related: Will Vikings use new cap space for WR, C, or DL?
RELATED: PJ Fleck responds to Jerry Kill’s comments about him