Wide receiver Diontae Johnson was one of the biggest names on the trade market, so it came as a surprise when the Carolina Panthers dealt him and a sixth-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens for a fifth-round pick. While he’s no superstar, the former Pittsburgh Steeler has a 1,100-yard season under his belt and played well in Carolina, recording 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns in seven games. Getting essentially nothing for him didn’t make much sense, especially considering the Dallas Cowboys gave up a fourth-round pick for draft bust Jonathan Mingo.
Diontae Johnson will be a free agent at the end of the season, so the Ravens made the trade knowing he’d be nothing more than a short-term rental. That may explain part of the low return, but a recent interview with Panthers General Manager Dan Morgan provided more clarity on the issue. Per Kassidy Hill of Panthers.com, both Johnson and the Panthers organization felt that a parting of ways was best for both sides.
“We felt at the end of the day that it was best for the team and best for Diontae that we both part ways and get the compensation there that we got.”
Panthers, Diontae Johnson Both Wanted Trade
This marks the second trade request from Diontae Johnson in less than a year, as the wide receiver wanted to leave the Steelers following the 2023 campaign. Chances are, the wide receiver wanted a better quarterback so he could hit free agency with the highest value possible. While Bryce Young and Andy Dalton couldn’t make him a superstar, MVP frontrunner Lamar Jackson has that ability and his presence could turn Johnson into a valued commodity on the open market.
The Panthers, meanwhile, also benefit from the move. In addition to the slight edge in draft capital, Johnson’s absence allows more playing time for their untested youngsters. First-round pick Xavier Legette and undrafted free agent Jalen Coker are both off to promising starts this year, with Coker standing out with a series of impressive catches. These two combined with tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders gives Carolina a potential foundation for their impending rebuild, and Adam Thielen provides the veteran presence a young team needs. Seeing as the Panthers don’t have a realistic shot at the playoffs, they’re better off giving their young talent as much experience as possible.
Fantasy Football Outlook
Through two games, the Baltimore Ravens might have buyer’s remorse regarding the Diontae Johnson trade. Brought in to be the final piece on one of the most dangerous offenses in football, the wideout has recorded just one reception for six yards and played just five snaps in Baltimore’s 35-34 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Adjusting to a new offense can take time, but the Ravens expected more than this. By comparison, newly-acquired DeAndre Hopkins recorded eight receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns in his second game with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Head coach John Harbaugh says Johnson will receive a larger role in Week 11, but we’ll need to see it to believe it. Not seeing targets early on is one thing, but Johnson can’t even earn a spot on the field. With the wide receiver already voicing his frustration, nobody should trust Johnnson in fantasy until he can prove he belongs in this passing attack. If you’re looking to add someone on waivers, you could easily cut Johnson to open up a spot on your roster.
