With several NFL teams, including the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, looking for a top wide receiver, Diontae Johnson’s name has come up as a possible trade option.
The Panthers wide receiver said on Wednesday that he would like to stay in Carolina and sign a long-term contract, but he also recognized that his future is mostly out of his control.
Carolina traded for Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this offseason.
He has become the team’s main wide receiver since 36-year-old Andy Dalton took over as quarterback for Bryce Young in Week 3.
In the last two games, Johnson has been targeted 27 times and has made 15 catches for 205 yards and two touchdowns with Dalton. In contrast, he was targeted just 12 times in two games with Young, making only five catches for 34 yards without any touchdowns.
“I can’t control some of the stuff they put out there,” Johnson said. “I can only just come in and continue to be the player I have been since I got here in April. I’m not really worried about it. Whatever happens, happens. I’m locked in with the Panthers right now.”
The Panthers are currently 1-3, and if the season starts to go badly, it might make sense to trade Johnson, who is in the last year of his contract, to gain draft picks as they continue to rebuild.
Panthers coach Dave Canales tried to calm the trade rumors during his press conference.
“My job is to do the best things to put the best 11 guys out there,” Canales said. “We love the guys that are developing in the progression that we have, so I don’t see that happening.”
Johnson did not practice on Wednesday because of ankle soreness, but he mentioned that he expects to play on Sunday against Chicago.
