Diontae Johnson had a short run with the Carolina Panthers. On Tuesday, the Carolina Panthers traded the former Steelers WR to the Baltimore Ravens, after just eight games.
The Ravens are sending a fifth-round draft pick to Carolina in exchange for Johnson and a sixth-round pick. Because of his expiring contract, Johnson had been a rumored trade candidate for several weeks leading up until today.
This will be the second trade involving Diontae Johnson this year. The Carolina Panthers acquired Johnson in March from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Why Did the Panthers Trade Johnson?
The Carolina Panthers’ decision to trade Diontae Johnson can be attributed to several reasons:
- Rebuilding Phase: At 1-7, the Panthers are sellers at the NFL trade deadline, and they are focusing on rebuilding through the draft.
- Salary Cap Management: Johnson’s contract is expiring, and the Panthers were not planning on bringing him back. The Panthers decided to trade Johnson for a draft pick, rather than let him sign with another team in the offseason and receive nothing in return.
- Performance: Through six games Diontae Johnson has 379 yards receiving and 3 touchdowns amid Panthers QB struggles.
Diontae Johnson’s 2024 Stats
In the 2024 NFL season, Diontae Johnson has put up average numbers with the Carolina Panthers:
- 30 receptions
- 357 receiving yards
- 11.9 yards per reception
- 3 touchdowns
Career Statistics (2019-2024)
Over his five-and-a-half-year career, Johnson stats include:
- 420 career receptions
- 4,720 career receiving yards
- 28 career touchdowns
- 11.2 yards per reception average
Career Accolades
Johnson’s achievements include:
- Pro Bowl Selection (2021)
- Second-team All-Pro as a Punt Returner (2019)
- MAC Special Teams Player of the Year (2018)
Ranking Among NFL Wide Receivers
Diontae Johnson is ranked 45th out of 92 wide receivers by PFF. Diontae Johnson is considered a second-tier number one wide receiver in the league. He is not in the elite tier alongside stars like Tyreek Hill or Justin Jefferson, but he is good enough to be a number one NFL wide receiver. At this point in his career, Johnson may better be suited as a second or third option at wide receiver, which may be his role in Baltimore.