Pro Bowl wideout Diontae Johnson struggles may signal he’s signing with a new team next season in free agency and Chargers, Chiefs are possible fits. After Sunday’s loss, the wide receiver was struggling to get anything going only recording not one catch despite minimal playing time. John Harbaugh plans to start him in a full-time role but it shouldn’t surprise anyone if he lands with a team that needs more receivers. Johnson was the subject of trade rumors through the earlier part of the year after being with the Panthers for not even a full season.
Originally selected in the 2019 NFL Draft, the former third-rounder was hoping to establish the number one deep threat to replace Antonio Brown since trading him to the Raiders. Johnson put up a somewhat promising rookie year with a few flashes, recording 680 receiving yards and five touchdowns. He never lived up to expectations in Pittsburgh after recording more than 1,000 yards in 2021 but ever since, it’s been downhill for him. Injuries got the best of him after suffering a one in his final season with the Steelers.
Johnson didn’t thrive in Carolina after failing to get a legitimate supporting cast. Either way, it’ll be hard for Johnson to get a market if he doesn’t produce much in Baltimore. He could find something within himself to be a flier for the Ravens offense to rejuvenate his career. However, chances are that he probably won’t thrive under Lamar Jackson’s wing since they’re sticking with Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman as their two top targets.
Pro Bowl Wideout Diontae Johnson Struggles May Signal Signing Elsewhere – Chargers, Chiefs Possible Fits
More Weapons for Herbert
The Los Angeles Chargers may be a wild-card threat but they don’t have superstar pass catchers to compensate for it. Justin Herbert is thriving in the pocket amid his early season struggles of battling injuries but he could use more weapons to get out the football sooner. The Chargers emphasized the offensive line after drafting Joe Alt to pursue the dreams of Jim Harbaugh wanting to run the football more. However, they haven’t been doing that since they realize it takes more than the backfield to win matchups.
Quentin Johnston is showing a few flashes but no one should expect him to do much in this year’s postseason due to lack of experience. Ladd McConkey is constructing himself to be a consistent weapon that Herbert can depend on for quick slant plays. Johnson may be on the same level as these two receivers but it’s a significant upgrade from the Chargers rotating receivers. He could finally get some chemistry going with Herbert who still has a strong arm in this league.
Wide Receiver Woes?
Meanwhile, rookie Xavier Worthy is finally showing his struggles after the Chiefs’ first loss against the Buffalo Bills. Travis Kelce hasn’t been the same and with Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown not playing, they’re hoping DeAndre Hopkins could create some separation. The Chiefs signing Tyquan Thornton to their practice squad proves they’re always ready to sign speedy receivers. However, Johnson may not have the agility nor acceleration as others like Worthy but they could take him in as a flier if they’re a first-round playoff exit.
The chances of that happening may be slim but anything is possible with how Patrick Mahomes is underperforming. He isn’t perfect by any means after winning two straight Super Bowls so the wide receiver issues they’ve been dealing with were going to be exposed one way or another. Johnson is no superstar but he’s worth a one-year contract to see what he could do to help open the field.
