The Baltimore Ravens have pulled off a major move, acquiring wide receiver Diontae Johnson from the Carolina Panthers. This deal couldn't have come at a better time, with the Ravens laying a flop against the Cleveland Browns last week.
Johnson arrives as an immediate upgrade to Baltimore’s receiving corps, joining forces with Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman to give Lamar Jackson a true trio of weapons in the passing game.
Johnson, who began the season with Carolina after being traded from Pittsburgh, brings much-needed versatility to the Ravens’ offense. With 30 catches for 357 yards and three touchdowns in seven games this year, he’s proven to be a reliable target despite Carolina’s quarterback issues.
Johnson’s quickness and knack for finding open spaces should also help open up opportunities for Flowers and Bateman, potentially giving Baltimore one of the more balanced passing attacks in the league.
The trade gives the Ravens a true No. 1 receiver, which has been something they've been missing for a while.
Diontae Johnson was the best WR available at the deadline
The trade itself is a savvy move by Baltimore’s front office, especially as other AFC contenders like the Bills, Jets, and Chiefs have all made splashy trades of their own.
In fact, this deal might be the best of the bunch, considering Johnson’s immediate impact potential compared to other recent trades, like those for Davante Adams and DeAndre Hopkins.
Comp update: It’s a pick flop, with the Panthers getting a 5th-round pick for Diontae Johnson and a 6th, per sources. https://t.co/bCW4sVBc5R
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 29, 2024
The cost was reasonable too, with Baltimore parting with a fifth-round pick while receiving a sixth-rounder in return. Given Johnson’s expiring contract, it’s a calculated gamble that could pay huge dividends down the stretch.
This trade is also significant, considering Baltimore’s recent struggles to maintain a consistent wide receiver presence. Dropped passes have plagued the Ravens’ passing game over the past few weeks, but Johnson’s arrival brings a reliable playmaker into the mix.
Additionally, Johnson is well-versed in Pittsburgh’s schemes and tendencies, which might offer an additional advantage as the Ravens push for playoff positioning.
It’s also a subtle flex, poaching a talented receiver who previously tormented Baltimore while in Pittsburgh. Now, he’s poised to help the Ravens.
Johnson's arrival comes at the best time. Last week's debacle against the Cleveland Browns showed that no matter how good Lamar Jackson is, he can't do everything. With a new No. 1 receiver, Jackson should have more than enough weapons to decimate opposing defenses.
Look at the help Derrick Henry has provided so far, if Johnson can have that sort of impact in Baltimore, this could be a very special season.