The Diontae Johnson trade has not worked out for the Baltimore Ravens, and the latest comments by head coach John Harbaugh imply his fortunes won’t improve any time soon. A third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Toledo product made a name for himself with the Pittsburgh Steelers before joining the Carolina Panthers via trade during the 2024 offseason. Johnson performed reasonably well in his new home, leading the team in receptions and yards midway through the season. However, the tanking Panthers decided to trade the wide receiver to the Baltimore Ravens at the deadline.
Now paired with an elite quarterback in Lamar Jackson, Johnson had the opportunity to bolster his value ahead of free agency. Instead, he’s done the opposite, as the wide receiver has recorded just one catch for six yards since joining the team. This probably won’t improve any time soon, as head coach John Harbaugh heavily implied Diontae Johnson is not part of the short- or long-term plans with this team.
“At this time, I’m going to have to wait just to clarify [Diontae Johnson’s role]. There’s some moving parts there that we’re going to have to figure out and explore and just see where we’re at. I know that’s not the answer you want, but that’s the best I can do in fairness to everybody right now.”
UPDATE (3:11 EST): The Ravens have suspended Diontae Johnson for one game for conduct detrimental to the team
John Harbaugh Gives Cold Assessment of Diontae Johnson
Assuming he can’t get out of the John Harbaugh doghouse before the end of the season, the Ravens will be the third team to decide that Diontae Johnson is not worth the headache in a calendar year. This is devastating for the one-time Pro Bowler’s value on the open market, as Johnson is in the midst of one of the worst contract years in recent memory. Baltimore only had to give up a fifth-round pick for Johnson and a sixth, which implies teams across the league had no interest in adding the former 1,100-yard receiver.
Johnson’s shortcomings in Baltimore will likely sink his market even further. With great receivers like Tee Higgins and Chris Godwin set to hit the open market, Johnson might have to settle for a cheap prove-it deal. Looking across the league, the New Orleans Saints could give Johnson the best chance at re-establishing himself and saving his NFL future.
Breaking Out In New Orleans
The New Orleans Saints will once again miss the playoffs and enter the offseason in salary cap hell, but that won’t change their offseason approach. General Manager Mickey Loomis said that the firing of head coach Dennis Allen will not lead to a rebuild, which means this team will once again search for their first playoff appearance since the Drew Brees Era. While the Saints can clear space to get below the salary cap, they cannot spend big on the top free agents.
What they can do, however, is buy low on someone like Diontae Johnson. Rashid Shaheed should return to the field next year, but Chris Olave may have played his last game with the Saints. The former first-round pick has a long history of concussions, clearly has an issue with Derek Carr, and his brother has actively begged for a trade. This team needs another receiver and someone like Johnson could be the perfect fit to complement Shahid’s deep speed.
Main Photo: Gary A Vasquez – USA Today Sports
The post Ravens Receiver’s Future In Doubt After Stunning Comments – Could Revitalize Career With Saints appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.