Wide receiver Diontae Johnson received a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team and it could spell the end of his disastrous tenure with the Baltimore Ravens. Acquired at the trade deadline from the Carolina Panthers, the former Pittsburgh Steeler was supposed to provide this team with a reliable set of hands as they pursued a deep playoff run. Instead, he’s hauled in just one reception for six yards in four games and reportedly refused to play in Week 13’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
His refusal to see the field earned him a one-game suspension, but Baltimore might decide he’s more trouble than he’s worth. According to Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports, “more conversations are likely to happen” between player and team and there is a chance the two sides part ways. If that happens, Johnson would easily be the best receiver on the open market and could help power the Kansas City Chiefs to their third Super Bowl in as many seasons.
It is my understanding that Diontae Johnson has been frustrated in Baltimore due to his lack of usage since arriving in a trade. Baltimore has taken action by suspending him for a game, but more conversations are likely to happen as they head into their bye week, determining… https://t.co/9a85x1KAHR
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) December 4, 2024
Ravens Reportedly Could Cut Diontae Johnson After Handing Out Suspension
Diontae Johnson has had a wild couple of months. Starting the offseason with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team traded him to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for cornerback Donte Jackson. While he led the team in receptions and receiving yards at the time of the trade, he wore out his welcome in Carolina and the team traded him for effectively nothing. Now set to become a free agent at the end of the season, the Ravens could be the third team to give up on him in less than a year. Johnson can be effective in the right offense, but his off-field issues mean teams likely won’t pay up for his services on the open market.
This suspension could be a turning point for Diontae Johnson if he hits the open market. While the season is coming to a close, the wide receiver could sign with a postseason team, infuse some life into his new offense, and re-establish his value on the open market, similar to what Odell Beckham did with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021. Looking across the league, the best choice for this role is easily the Kansas City Chiefs.
Chiefs Find Some Hope
Despite their 11-1 record, the Kansas City Chiefs are not as dominant as usual. Bolstered by an absurd 9-0 record in one-score games, this team must find more offensive security to win their third Super Bowl in as many seasons. Marquise Brown’s return from injury will help, but it won’t be enough to singlehandedly save this offense. Travis Kelce is slowing down, first-round pick Xavier Worthy is not a consistent threat, and Patrick Mahomes can’t do this all by himself. The DeAndre Hopkins trade has worked out, but this team could use another weapon to complete their offense.
Diontae Johnson might not be a Hall of Famer, but the former Steeler has the raw talent to make an impact on this team. The shifty wide receiver is a natural fit for the vacated Rashee Rice role and could be a much-needed chain mover for a team that hasn’t moved the ball as consistently as usual.
Main Photo: Charles LeClaire – USA Today Sports
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