Panthers Stunningly Accept Pathetic Trade Offer for Playmaker Before Deadline

After weeks of rumors and speculation, the Carolina Panthers have finally decided to part ways with one of their best players ahead of the trade deadline. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Panthers have traded veteran wide receiver Diontae Johnson and a sixth-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens for a fifth-round pick.

It was only a matter of time before Carolina sent Johnson packing. The veteran pass catcher was the best receiver available on the trade market after Davante Adams, Amari Cooper, and DeAndre Hopkins were moved over the past two weeks.

Johnson was acquired in an offseason trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers as the Panthers were hoping he could be their No. 1 wide receiver and take the offense to another level. The veteran pass catcher was okay in the No. 1 role, but Carolina’s offense did not take that next step.

The former Steelers wide receiver led the Panthers in targets (58), receptions (30), receiving yards (357), and was tied for first in touchdowns with rookie Xavier Legette (3). Johnson didn’t play in the Panthers’ last game against the Denver Broncos due to a rib injury.

The Panthers were reportedly seeking a mid-round pick in return for Johnson but unfortunately had to settle for a fifth-round pick, which isn’t bad as the veteran is scheduled to be a free agent in the offseason.

However, the fact they sent the Ravens a sixth-round pick in exchange for Johnson isn’t great GM work. The Panthers will likely be one of the worst teams in the league, meaning that the sixth-round pick could be very high.

If that’s the case, Baltimore could use that pick to move up on Day 3 of the draft or to acquire more draft capital. Meanwhile, the Panthers could’ve used that pick to add more talent, which they need on both sides of the ball.

With Johnson out the door, it will be interesting to see who else the Panthers trade by next week’s deadline.

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