The Panthers took a low-cost swing to improve the offense late Tuesday, acquiring former Pro Bowl wide receiver and All-Pro punt returner Diontae Johnson from the Steelers for a defensive back Donte Jackson and a late pick swap.
Johnson had 51 catches for 717 yards and five TDs last year. However, he's only a couple of years removed from a 1,161-yard season. Still only 27 years old, Johnson is a perfect dart throw for a Carolina team desperate for playmakers afterbolstering the offensive line with a pair of splashy signingsearly in free agency.
As it turns out, Johnson represents the exact kind of receiver that the Panthers have been missing.
Diontae Johnson is the Perfect Wide Receiver for the Panthers
Heyyy the Panthers did a good thing!
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes)March 13, 2024
Last year their WRs couldn’t get separation; over the last 3 years, Johnson ranks 1st amongst all WRS in ESPN’s open score (which accounts for routes, coverage, etc). Love this move, which shouldn’t preclude them from continuing to upgrade.https://t.co/ZO67Nv5IxE
Johnson labored through poor quarterback play the last couple of years and while he had issues with drops early in his career, his 3.8% drop rate in 2023 was the best figure he's ever posted.
The one constant throughout Johnson's career is an uncanny ability to create separation. He's perhaps the most underrated route runner in the NFL. With his proven chops in the return game as well, getting Johnson for essentially a late-round pick is an absolute steal.
Diontae Johnson "Open Rating" which is meant to quantify separation on a per-route basis and not just on targets via ESPN analytics:
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz)March 12, 2024
2023: 78 (No. 11 among all qualified WRs)
2022: 99 (No. 1)
2021: 87 (No. 4)
2020: 92 (No. 3)
2019: 91 (No. 2)https://t.co/39GAXPsblT
Every year he's been in the league, Johnson has created separation as well as any player in football. Bryce Young completed just 59.8% of his passes with 11 TDs and 10 interceptions last year, largely due to having one of the NFL's worst receiving groups.
Throwing Johnson in the mix instantly adds a proven separator who can thrive despite bad QB play. Given Young's pedigree and collegiate success, it's likely he'll be the best QB Johnson has played with.
For all the grief Carolina got for trading Brian Burns, this was an excellent move.
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