Dave Canales Seemingly Admits Panthers Are Trading Diontae Johnson

The Panthers' handling of star WR Diontae Johnson has been met with eyebrows in recent weeks, with trade speculation ramping up as Carolina looks to the future following another lost season.

Head coach Dave Canales spoke to the media on Friday and his comments regarding Johnson were curious, to say the least. Bryce Young is returning to the starting lineup on Sunday against the Broncos, though Johnson won't play due to injury.

When asked if Johnson's absence was about keeping him healthy ahead of the November 5 trade deadline, Canales couldn't give a straight answer.

Dave Canales Gives Curious Diontae Johnson Trade Comments

"Those are all conversations that Dan (Morgan) and Brandt (Tillis) will handle," Canales told reporters. "I want to do the best thing for Diontae, the best thing for the offense and the continuity of what we're trying to get done."

If Johnson being ruled out was solely about his injury, why would Canales immediately invoke his superiors with his response? He could have simply said that Johnson wasn't fully healthy and that's why he was ruled out. Instead, Canales pointed to the front office.

Johnson is one of the best receivers who theoretically could be acquired. It's unlikely he'll return to the organization next year anyway, so the Panthers would be wise to recoup some value before it's too late.

He has 30 catches for 357 yards and three TDs so far this season, easily pacing Carolina's wide receiver group. The former All-Pro could help a variety of teams across the league, making him the team's most logical trade chip.

We'll see what happens over the next week but it sure feels like Johnson has already played his final down in a Panthers uniform.

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