Former Panther Shockingly Suspended by New Team in Week 14

Ahead of last month’s trade deadline, the Carolina Panthers made the not-so-shocking decision to part ways with veteran wide receiver Diontae Johnson. The Panthers traded Johnson and a sixth-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens for a fifth-round pick.

On paper, many fans and analysts believed that the Panthers got fleeced as the Ravens could get a compensatory pick for Johnson in the offseason. However, things have not gone well for Johnson since he arrived in Baltimore.

The former Panthers receiver has not seen many snaps with the Ravens and will reportedly not play in Baltimore’s Week 15 game against the New York Giants.

On Wednesday, Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network reported that the Ravens are suspending the veteran wide receiver one game without pay for conduct detrimental to the team. Baltimore EVP and GM Eric DeCosta said Johnson’s suspension stems from refusing to enter last week’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The 28-year-old receiver has been a non-factor in a Ravens’ passing game (one reception for six yards in four games) that needed another wide receiver, playing opposite of second-year pass catcher Zay Flowers.

However, his lack of involvement in the offense potentially led to Johnson not wanting to step onto the field in last week’s loss to the Eagles.

Nevertheless, if you are the Panthers’ coaching staff and front office, you are likely taking a huge sigh of relief as the wide receiver core has looked much better recently sans Johnson. Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, and Adam Thielen have all made plays and helped this offense look much better.

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