Diontae Johnson’s short-lived tenure in Baltimore has officially become one of the most bizarre chapters in Ravens' history. What was supposed to be a midseason boost for Lamar Jackson and the offense turned into a seven-week circus of drama, suspensions, and outright confusion.
At his postseason press conference, Ravens GM Eric DeCosta didn’t hold back when reflecting on the failed trade.
The Ravens acquired Johnson from the Carolina Panthers midseason, hoping his explosive playmaking ability would inject some life into the offense. Instead, Johnson gave them a grand total of one catch for six yards before being suspended for refusing to enter a game against the Philadelphia Eagles. After just a few weeks of frustration, Baltimore cut ties, and Johnson became Houston’s headache.
DeCosta addressed the debacle head-on, acknowledging the risk that came with the trade and offering a painfully honest assessment of how things played out. “We knew it wasn’t 100 percent going to be a slam dunk. It didn’t work out. We always try to mitigate our risk. I didn’t see a lot of downside,” DeCosta said.
As far as Diontae Johnson trade, Eric DeCosta said he "knew it was 100% not a slam dunk and it didn't work out."
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) January 22, 2025
DeCosta said he didn't see a lot of downside because it wasn't much of risk as far as compensation but knew there was a possibility he wouldn't be happy with his role
Eric DeCosta risked it for the biscuit
DeCosta’s comments highlight the calculated gamble the Ravens took by bringing in Johnson—and just how spectacularly it failed. Johnson was supposed to be the missing piece for an offense loaded with weapons, but instead, he became the NFL equivalent of a paperweight.
The Ravens’ GM doubled down on the team’s effort to “mitigate risk,” but let’s be real—Johnson’s track record was the ultimate red flag. He’d already worn out his welcome in Pittsburgh and Carolina before landing in Baltimore. For DeCosta to say he “didn’t see a lot of downside” feels overly generous, considering Johnson’s reputation preceded him.
The fallout? A wasted trade that did nothing to help the Ravens’ playoff push. Johnson’s refusal to enter the Eagles game was the nail in the coffin, a moment that cemented his status as more trouble than he was worth. While the assets used to acquire him were minimal, that further drives home the point: he wasn't worth the headache at all.
At the end of the day, DeCosta’s honesty was refreshing, even if the situation itself was a disaster. The Ravens took a shot, and it backfired spectacularly. Now, they’ll focus on regrouping this offseason and ensuring their next move doesn’t involve another Diontae Johnson. At least if he signs elsewhere, Baltimore could get a compensatory pick for him, and that's a win.