Panthers' Arrogance Just Cost Them With Surprise Injury Before Trade Deadline
By Joe Summers
The Panthers are hesitant to admit that their season is practically over and the organization's stubborn nature may wind up costing them at the trade deadline.
Star WR Diontae Johnson, one of the few bright spots on the roster, suffered a non-contact rib injury during Friday's practice and is questionable. He's one of the best receivers on the trade market and despite the team's insistence they want to keep him, Carolina would be better off recouping some value for a talented playmaker.
With Adam Schefter reporting that Johnson is leaving after this season anyway, there's not much time left. If his injury becomes serious, that could destroy his value on the market and hurt the Panthers.
Panthers WR Diontae Johnson Suffers Non-Contact Rib Injury
Dave Canales said Diontae Johnson’s rib area tightened up on him today. Was not a contact injury. Canales didn’t want to say too much else until he talks to the trainers.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) October 18, 2024
It's certainly possible that Johnson is just fine and plays in Week 7. Even still, injury concerns are a factor in trade talks. With just over two weeks until the deadline, every little ding could make the difference.
With Bryce Young benched and the franchise entering another rebuild, GM Dan Morgan needs to load up on draft picks when he can. If waiting is the difference between getting a third-rounder or fifth-round selection, it's a costly mistake.
Johnson doesn't factor into Carolina's future plans anyway. Xavier Legette and Jonathon Brooks are the future of this offense, especially now that the Panthers need to find a new signal caller. Despite being a major part of the offense's plans entering the year, Johnson won't want to wait.
These are moments Morgan and head coach Dave Canales simply must take advantage of. Otherwise, Panthers fans will be stuck in misery with no real optimism for the 2024-25 season.
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