The Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers are among the suitors for possible trade candidate wide receiver, Diontae Johnson. According to a report, the Panthers have yet to discuss a contract extension which is spiraling a rumor that he could be out of Carolina in under a year. Frustrations are growing with Johnson in the team’s ability to be a worthy competition in the NFC but the Panthers look like the same team since last year. The Panthers lost both of the contests by a combined score of 73-13 so it’s no surprise why he would want to move on.
It shouldn’t surprise anyone if he requests a trade in the coming weeks, especially after the team benched Bryce Young in favor of Andy Dalton. There may be a change in scenery for Johnson once Dalton steps on the field but no one should expect it to since he’s nothing more but an average quarterback. However, Johnson says it’s up to Dave Canales and their play-calling to move the ball down the field which Young hasn’t been able to do or connect the dots to him. It could benefit the Panthers in the long haul if they trade Johnson before his value dwindles, rather than waiting until they have another losing streak season.
Carolina may not be the team they want to be but it allows them to build draft capital and see what the future holds. Here are some possible suitors for Diontae Johnson.
𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐑𝐔𝐌𝐎𝐑:
The Panthers have already received trade calls on veteran WR Diontae Johnson.Johnson only has one year left on his deal. pic.twitter.com/eMmphpNvEW
— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) September 17, 2024
Ravens, Chargers Among Suitors For Possible Trade Candidate Diontae Johnson
Possible Trade Destinations
Baltimore Ravens
Johnson could be a prime talent for a team that’s 0-2 and heading out of the playoff picture already. The team was hoping Nelson Agholor could be a reliable threat to accommodate Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, but it hasn’t worked out that way. Johnson’s presence would probably give the Ravens the size and deep threat they’re looking for in the slot. Since moving on from Odell Beckham Jr., the passing attack for Baltimore has been lackluster for Lamar Jackson to even look for an open man.
Adding Johnson could open the field for Jackson even if he doesn’t get as many touches as Flowers and Bateman. It may allow him to be a part of a championship team after spending most of his NFL tenure with one of the worst collections of quarterbacks. Jackson may bring out the best in Johnson.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are heading in the right direction despite winning back-to-back nail-biting contests. However, losing Marquise Brown for the season leaves a hole in the passing game for Patrick Mahomes. JuJu Smith-Schuster can only be great if he gets the right opportunity but after a struggling year with the Patriots last season, they probably can’t bet on him for security. It may be safe for Kansas City to roll the dice on someone like Johnson to provide the size alongside Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice.
Dallas Cowboys
America’s team probably has one of the worst collections of receivers after CeeDee Lamb. Brandin Cooks is getting older and the team didn’t add any veteran to reinforce this wideout depth chart. The team is betting on Jalen Tobert as their WR3 but being that it’s his first time in a starting role, they should get Johnson instead to fill. Johnson probably won’t provide a big boost but his security could be useful for Dak Prescott who doesn’t need to rely on Lamb for all his passes.
Los Angeles Rams
One source believes Johnson could be an emergency replacement for the Rams after losing Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp to injuries. This leaves plenty of holes for Matthew Stafford who is now left with Demarcus Robinson, Tyler Johnson and Jordan Whittington. Johnson could excel under Stafford with his experience in winning a Super Bowl before. Even if Nacua and Kupp come back, Johnson could find himself a role in this offense.
Los Angeles Chargers
The running game may be doing well for Jim Harbaugh’s new regime but they must think about the long-term plan. Justin Herbert is best when he’s throwing the football but he lacks plenty of unproven pass catchers on the roster. The Chargers are on a good start but going up against teams like the Ravens or Chiefs will make them step their game up. Johnson may not be a superstar but he could be ready for those moments.
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