The Baltimore Ravens have strengthened their passing game by trading for Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson. Johnson, an experienced player and former Pro Bowler, joins Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and the NFL’s No. 1 offense, adding depth to Baltimore’s receiving corps.
The Ravens traded a fifth-round pick to Carolina for Johnson and the Panthers’ sixth-round pick. Carolina reportedly had other teams interested in Johnson, but the Ravens sealed the deal just ahead of the trade deadline, which could enhance Baltimore’s strategic options in the passing game as they aim to stay competitive in the AFC North.
Johnson’s journey to Baltimore marks his second trade this season, as he was previously acquired by the Panthers from the Pittsburgh Steelers. This move makes him one of only three receivers to have caught passes for both the Steelers and Ravens since 2000.
Additionally, Johnson is now the fourth wide receiver traded this month, all of whom are Pro Bowl-caliber players. His role in Baltimore’s offense has potential significance, especially considering his experience with sideline passes, a dimension the Ravens can further explore to expand their offensive scheme.
During his time with the Panthers, Johnson’s season was impacted by a rib injury, and he was held out of Carolina’s recent game against Denver. Although there was speculation that the decision might have related to his trade potential, Panthers head coach Dave Canales deferred any trade-related questions to general manager Dan Morgan. Johnson had previously expressed interest in re-signing with the Panthers despite their difficult season, but with Carolina’s 1-7 record and limited offensive production, both sides may have seen a trade as beneficial.
Johnson’s addition to the Ravens’ roster means he will now play alongside wide receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. Baltimore has been conservative in using three-wide-receiver sets, running them only 163 times this season, which ranks as the second-fewest in the NFL. Jackson, who is having his best season as a passer with 2,099 yards, could benefit from Johnson’s proficiency with sideline routes, an area where Baltimore has had limited success. With Jackson’s average of 9.7 yards per attempt to wide receivers this season, Johnson’s skill set could help the Ravens better utilize the full width of the field.
Baltimore’s general manager Eric DeCosta has been known for his aggressive in-season trades, with this being his fourth major move in the last six years. His previous mid-season acquisitions, including Marcus Peters and Roquan Smith, have had a substantial impact on the Ravens’ competitiveness.
Adding Johnson is part of Baltimore’s ongoing effort to bolster their roster and refine their offense as they look toward the playoffs. Meanwhile, Carolina’s receiving corps will adjust without Johnson, relying on veterans like Adam Thielen and younger players like Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker to fill the gap left by Johnson’s departure.
