Panthers trade WR Diontae Johnson and sixth-round pick to Ravens, receive fifth-round pick in return
The Baltimore Ravens have secured an additional offensive asset for quarterback Lamar Jackson.
On Tuesday, the Ravens obtained wide receiver Diontae Johnson along with a sixth-round draft pick in 2025 from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a fifth-round pick in 2025. The Panthers confirmed the details of the trade late on Tuesday.
Johnson had been the leading wide receiver for Carolina since his acquisition in an offseason trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, which involved cornerback Donte Jackson. He has recorded 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns this season; however, he was sidelined during Sunday’s 28-14 defeat against the Denver Broncos due to a rib injury.
Johnson is poised to enter unrestricted free agency at the conclusion of the season.
A source familiar with the trade indicated that two other teams had shown interest in acquiring Johnson prior to the Ravens' involvement a few days ago.
Considering the terms of the trade, it appears that some teams may have been deterred by Johnson's previous locker room issues.
In an effort to enhance their draft positioning for the upcoming season, the Panthers are expected to entertain further inquiries before the trade deadline on November 5.
A potential candidate for trade consideration is running back Miles Sanders; however, his recent performance for Carolina over the past season and a half raises questions about his value in the trade market.
Despite their disappointing 1-7 record, the Panthers seem hesitant to part with certain players, including quarterback Bryce Young, running back Chuba Hubbard, and cornerback Jaycee Horn. Both Hubbard and Horn are valued within the organization and may be in line for contract renewals.
Lamar Jackson, a two-time MVP, is currently enjoying the most productive passing season of his career with the Ravens, boasting a 115.4 passer rating and 2,099 passing yards. He has recorded 17 touchdown passes against just two interceptions.
Jackson's receiving options include second-year wide receiver Zay Flowers, 24-year-old Rashod Bateman, and several competent tight ends.
Nevertheless, the defense poses a significant challenge for the Ravens. In their recent loss to Cleveland, Baltimore surrendered 401 yards, leaving them with a 5-3 record and trailing Pittsburgh in the AFC North. Consequently, even after acquiring Johnson, the Ravens may still pursue further trades before the deadline.
Johnson, aged 28, had his most successful season in 2021, when he recorded 107 receptions for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns with the Steelers. He followed that performance with 86 catches for 882 yards in 2022, but his production declined last year as the Steelers shifted their passing strategy towards George Pickens. In 2023, Johnson concluded the season with a career-low of 51 receptions for 717 yards and five touchdowns.
Johnson had previously expressed his desire to stay with the Panthers amid trade speculation that arose earlier this season, noting his satisfaction in receiving passes from veteran quarterback Andy Dalton.
The recent trade has resulted in the Panthers fielding a predominantly young wide receiver corps, with the exception of veteran Adam Thielen, who has been sidelined for the last five games due to a hamstring injury, and David Moore.
In recent weeks, the Panthers have increasingly relied on 2024 first-round draft pick Xavier Legette and undrafted rookie Jalen Coker, the latter of whom recorded his first touchdown pass on Sunday.
On Sunday, Moore and Legette took the field as starters in the absence of Johnson and Thielen.
Coker achieved four receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown against Denver, while Legette also had four catches, totaling 34 yards and marking his third touchdown of the season. Moore contributed with four receptions for 39 yards.
Thielen is anticipated to make his return this week as the Panthers prepare to host the New Orleans Saints.
Jonathan Mingo, a second-round selection in 2023, has been active but is seeing a reduction in playing time compared to Coker, having recorded only one catch in the last three games.
SportsLigue