Perfect Diontae Johnson replacement was just released by Broncos
By Matt Sidney
The Diontae Johnson saga has been the talk of the Baltimore Ravens for weeks, and for good reason. After arriving at the trade deadline with high expectations, Johnson has been a complete non-factor in the Ravens’ offense. Fans were left bewildered when he was active but did not play a single snap in Week 13. This has sparked speculation about whether he has already played his last game in purple and black.
Adding to the frustration, HBO’s Hard Knocks, a show designed to provide an unfiltered look into NFL drama, completely ignored the situation in its highly anticipated AFC North debut. Instead of shedding light on one of the Ravens’ most puzzling mysteries, the show glossed over the issue entirely. This decision has left fans with more questions than answers.
As the Ravens enter their bye week, the uncertainty around Johnson looms large. Head coach John Harbaugh’s cryptic comments have done nothing to clarify the receiver’s future. Lamar Jackson has openly expressed his confusion about Johnson’s lack of involvement.
Just when the situation seemed to be reaching a stalemate, the Denver Broncos may have delivered the perfect solution with the release of veteran wide receiver Josh Reynolds.
If Diontae Johnson is released, the Ravens have the perfect replacement in Josh Reynolds
Update: Josh Reynolds was signed by the Jaguars after his release.
The Broncos may have just handed the Ravens a golden opportunity to solve their lingering wide receiver dilemma. With Diontae Johnson’s future in Baltimore hanging by the thinnest of threads, a potential replacement has unexpectedly hit the market, and it's hard not to see the fit.
Funny enough, the Ravens have a history with the big-play receiver. After Odell Beckham Jr. left in free agency, Baltimore brought Reynolds in for a visit. Did his brief offseason appearance foreshadow his inevitable return to Baltimore to help them when they need it most? Only time will tell.
Reynolds’ release could not have come at a better time for the Ravens. With Rashod Bateman sidelined by a knee injury and Diontae Johnson still inexplicably benched, Baltimore’s receiving corps is in desperate need of reinforcements.
Reynolds offers a skill set that fits perfectly with what the Ravens need right now. He is a polished route-runner with reliable hands and the ability to make tough catches in traffic, making him an ideal target for Lamar Jackson. With Bateman potentially sidelined for an extended period and Johnson seemingly on the way out, Reynolds could step into a prominent role almost immediately.
This move would also give the Ravens some much-needed stability heading into the final stretch of the season. Baltimore’s offense has been inconsistent in recent weeks, and adding a veteran like Reynolds could help smooth out some of the rough edges. If Harbaugh and the front office are serious about maximizing the team’s chances in the playoffs, they shouldn't hesitate to make this move. With Reynolds available, the Ravens have no excuse not to act.