Instant analysis of Ravens trading a fifth-round pick to Panthers for Diontae Johnson
The Ravens are sending the Carolina Panthers a 2025 fifth-round pick in exchange for veteran wide receiver Diontae Johnson and a 2025 sixth-round pick. According to The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec, the Panthers are also paying down some of Johnson’s salary.
The Ravens will owe Johnson about $625K for a potentially 9-game rental and postseason run.
With the deal being completed, here’s an instant analysis of the deal.
Ravens have a deep WR corp
Oct 13, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (5) reacts after making a catch in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Baltimore adds a talented pass catcher to an already talented group that includes the improving Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor. Adding Johnson helps Baltimore work around potential bouts of inconsistent play from Bateman and Agholor.
Johnson is accomplished
Oct 6, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (5) runs after a catch against the Chicago Bears during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
Johnson has played six seasons for the Steelers and Panthers. Johnson has amassed 421 catches for 4,720 yards and has scored 29 touchdowns.
He was selected to play in 1 Pro Bowl.
Johnson’s contract
Oct 13, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (5) celebrates his touchdown catch from quarterback Andy Dalton (14) against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Johnson is in the final year of a two year contract agreement he signed with the Steelers.
Johnson this season
Oct 13, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (5) reacts after making a catch in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
The Panthers held Johnson out of Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos amid trade interest in the wide receiver.
Johnson has 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns this season for the Panthers.
NFL trades
Oct 13, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Matthew Judon (15) tackles Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (5) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Johnson joins DaVante Adams and Amari Cooper as high profile wide receivers traded before the deadline.