The Baltimore Ravens have bolstered their offense to support quarterback Lamar Jackson by acquiring wide receiver Diontae Johnson. On Tuesday, they traded for Johnson and a sixth-round pick in 2025 from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a fifth-round pick in 2025. The Panthers announced the trade details late Tuesday.
Johnson had been Carolina’s top wide receiver since he joined the team in an offseason trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. This season, he recorded 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns but missed Sunday’s 28-14 defeat against the Denver Broncos due to a rib injury.
Set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season, Johnson attracted interest from two other teams before the Ravens stepped in recently.
The trade compensation indicates that some teams may have hesitated due to Johnson’s previous locker room issues. The Panthers, aiming to enhance their draft position for next year, may entertain additional trade offers before the November 5 deadline.
Running back Miles Sanders could be a candidate for trade, though his recent lack of production might limit interest. Despite their 1-7 record, the Panthers are unlikely to trade key players like quarterback Bryce Young, running back Chuba Hubbard, and cornerback Jaycee Horn, who are viewed positively by the organization and could be in line for contract extensions.
Meanwhile, Jackson is enjoying his best passing season with the Ravens, boasting a 115.4 rating, 2,099 yards, 17 touchdown passes, and just two interceptions. Johnson will join second-year wide receiver Zay Flowers and 24-year-old Rashod Bateman, along with several talented tight ends, to provide options for Jackson. However, the team’s defense remains a concern, having allowed 401 yards in their recent loss to Cleveland, leaving the Ravens (5-3) one game behind Pittsburgh in the AFC North. Consequently, Baltimore may pursue further trades before the deadline.
Johnson’s best season came in 2021 when he caught 107 passes for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns for the Steelers. He followed that with 86 receptions for 882 yards in 2022, but his production dipped last year as the Steelers shifted focus to George Pickens. In 2023, Johnson’s numbers dropped to a career-low 51 catches for 717 yards and five touchdowns.
Despite trade rumors earlier this season, Johnson expressed a desire to stay with the Panthers, enjoying the chance to catch passes from veteran quarterback Andy Dalton. With his departure, the Panthers are left with a young group of receivers, excluding veteran Adam Thielen, who has missed the last five games due to a hamstring injury, and David Moore.
Recently, the Panthers have leaned on 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette and undrafted rookie Jalen Coker, who scored his first touchdown on Sunday. Moore and Legette started in place of Johnson and Thielen against Denver. Coker caught four passes for 78 yards and a touchdown, while Legette added four catches for 34 yards and a score, his third of the season. Moore also contributed four catches for 39 yards.
Thielen is expected to return this week as the Panthers face the New Orleans Saints. Second-round pick Jonathan Mingo has seen limited action, recording just one catch in the last three games.