The Baltimore Ravens shook up the football world on October 29, when they acquired star receiver Diontae Johnson from the Carolina Panthers.
The massive trade came at the heels of a disappointing loss to a 1-6 Cleveland Browns team that had no business beating the Purple and Black. Even though the passing game wasn't an issue, it was apparent that dropped passes and a lack of consistency were holding the passing attack back.
Instead of waiting and hoping their issues would resolve on their own, the Ravens took action and secured an immediate upgrade. The trade with Carolina signaled Baltimore’s "win-now" mentality - a bold, refreshing move that shows their commitment to contending this season.
As tempting as it is to picture Johnson racking up double-digit receptions and over 100 yards, it’s probably wiser to set realistic expectations. For now, fans can simply be excited to see him on the field, ready to contribute in any capacity for his first game as a Raven.
The Ravens can practice patience with Diontae Johnson
Diontae Johnson is set to make his debut as a Baltimore Raven today, but fans might want to temper their expectations. Recent reports indicate that Johnson’s role will be somewhat limited for his first outing with the team.
New #Ravens WR Diontae Johnson will be active today vs the #Broncos, though he’s not expected to play a full set of snaps, per source. Expect him to see around 15-20 snaps as he adjusts to the new playbook. pic.twitter.com/jfh209ZQAs
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 3, 2024
Recent reports suggest that Johnson’s role in his Ravens debut will be limited, as he’s not expected to see extensive playing time. He’s still getting up to speed and learning the nuances of Baltimore’s offense.
The news about his workload isn't necessarily overly exciting, life-changing, or all that surprising. However, it does suggest the Ravens are taking a more methodical approach in their utilization of their new star receiver. And they can be.
Heading into the trade deadline, wide receiver wasn’t uniformly seen as the Ravens' top priority. However, some savvy negotiating by Eric DeCosta flipped the script entirely, allowing Baltimore to pull off a steal in their trade with the Panthers. With Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman already in the lineup, there’s less urgency to get Johnson fully up to speed right away.
The Ravens have the flexibility to ease him into the offense alongside their existing playmakers.
Look for Johnson to deliver a highlight-worthy play or two today, hinting at the potential this Ravens offense could unlock by playoff time. Just keep expectations in check for now regarding his immediate impact on the field.
It may take some time for Johnson to fully sync up with Lamar Jackson and the rest of the offense, but once he does, his impact could be as game-changing as Derrick Henry’s has been this season.