Ugly Details From Diontae Johnson's Panthers Tenure Leak After Suspension
By Jovan Alford
Former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson hasn’t made many plays or seen the field with his new team, the Baltimore Ravens.
The Panthers traded the veteran receiver and a sixth-round pick to the Ravens for a fifth-round pick ahead of last month’s trade deadline. As Carolina was in the middle of a season-long losing streak, the rumors were swirling about Johnson’s future with the organization.
The Panthers thought Johnson would help take their offense to another level, but it seems like the wide receiver unit currently is better without him. According to Joe Person of The Athletic, Johnson’s short time in Carolina was a “poor fit.”
The Panthers beat writer mentioned on Twitter that Johnson practiced (or didn’t practice) when he wanted and said the team knew about his history but was desperate to add to the WR unit.
My take on Diontae Johnson's time in Carolina: Practiced (or didn't practice) when he wanted and was a poor fit for a first-year coach trying to establish a culture. Of course, the Panthers knew his history, but were desperate for WR help.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) December 4, 2024
Nonetheless, the decision to trade Johnson to the Ravens seemed like a good move for both sides. But it hasn’t worked out for the former Panthers wideout. In four games with the Ravens, Johnson only has one reception (five targets) for six yards.
In addition to the poor play, Johnson was suspended by the Ravens on Wednesday for one game for conduct detrimental to the team. The veteran wide receiver refused to enter last week’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Johnson will become a free agent at the end of this season, but with how things have gone in Carolina and Baltimore, he might not have a strong market. The veteran receiver has a ton of talent, but he hasn’t been able to lock in and play like the guy we saw in 2021 with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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