On October 29th, the Carolina Panthers traded wide receiver Diontae Johnson and a sixth-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens for a fifth-round pick. At the time, this seemed like an astonishingly small return. Originally acquired to be a reliable set of hands for former first-overall pick Bryce Young, the wide receiver was one of the few bright spots on the offense early in the season. Appearing in seven games, the former Pittsburgh Steeler caught 30 passes for 357 yards and three touchdowns on 58 targets.
However, with his contract expiring and whispers of locker room issues running amok, the Panthers traded Johnson for whatever they could get. All they could get was a late-round pick swap, which was surprising considering players like Davante Adams, Amari Cooper, DeAndre Hopkins, and even Jonathan Mingo fetched larger returns than Johnson. However, after a month with his new team, it’s safe to say that Carolina is on the winning end of this deal.
Panthers Are Winning the Diontae Johnson Ravens Trade
Wide receivers are paid to catch the ball, and Diontae Johnson has not done that with the Baltimore Ravens. During his four games with MVP candidate Lamar Jackson, the former third-round pick has recorded just one reception for six yards. Johnson cannot get on the field, as he’s recorded just five targets in Baltimore and hasn’t made the most of his limited opportunities. Slow starts are understandable when players join new organizations, but this complete lack of involvement is unjustifiable.
The Ravens have one of the best offenses in the league even without Diontae Johnson. Lamar Jackson is an elite quarterback and Derrick Henry is nearly unstoppable. A run-heavy attack like this means Baltimore can get by with having Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews as the only consistent weapons in the passing game. However, as evidenced in Week 11’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the lack of adequate receiving threats is an issue when teams can slow the running game. The season isn’t over yet, but Johnson’s inability to earn targets could be the difference between a Super Bowl and another early exit.
Carolina’s Benefits
The Panthers marginally improved their draft capital with the Diontae Johnson trade, but that’s not the only reason they’re on the winning end of this transaction. Addition by subtraction happens in the NFL, and Johnson’s absence has allowed younger players on the Panthers to flourish. With Johnson out of the picture, youngsters like first-round pick Xavier Legette and undrafted free agent Jalen Coker had the opportunity to earn larger roles.
While Coker was a healthy scratch against the Chiefs, the Holy Cross product has still recorded 17 receptions for 263 yards, a touchdown, and a 77.2 PFF grade, respectable numbers for an undrafted free agent with a subpar quarterback situation. Legette, meanwhile, has 33 receptions for 340 yards and four touchdowns. Neither player will win Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, but both players are improving weekly (Coker’s healthy scratch notwithstanding) and could be staples in this offense for years to come.
If Carolina was trying to win the Super Bowl in 2024, you could argue that the short-term benefits of keeping Johnson outweighed the long-term benefits of developing young receivers. However, since the team is rebuilding, it’s hard to argue against giving snaps to the rookies. Perhaps Diontae Johnson can turn it around for the Ravens later in the year, but right now, the Panthers got the better end of this trade.
Main Photo: Barry Reeger – USA Today Sports
