The Baltimore Ravens and Diontae Johnson are officially in the “why are we even doing this?” phase of their short-lived relationship. In yet another update that feels like a formality at this point, the team announced Johnson will be excused from all activities this week. Translation? The Ravens don’t want him around while they prep for a critical showdown with the Steelers.
Statement from the Baltimore Ravens. pic.twitter.com/sg9seXfJMc
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 16, 2024
When asked about Johnson’s absence, head coach John Harbaugh made it crystal clear where his focus lies: Pittsburgh. “All I’m really thinking about right now is Pittsburgh and getting our team ready for Pittsburgh. He won’t be here this week, and next week will take care of itself,” Harbaugh said in his Monday press conference. Translation? Johnson’s problems are not high on the Ravens’ priority list.
John Harbaugh on Diontae Johnson: "All I'm really thinking about right now is Pittsburgh and getting our team ready for Pittsburgh. He won't be here this week and next week will take care of itself."
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) December 16, 2024
When asked why the team hasn’t just cut ties with Johnson, Harbaugh pointed to “front office type reasons” and swiftly redirected back to preparing for Week 16. The message is clear: Johnson is irrelevant to the Ravens’ playoff push, and Harbaugh has bigger fish to fry.
And that’s exactly how it should be. The Ravens are battling for the AFC North crown with three games left. They’re hosting Pittsburgh in a game that could determine who gets home-field advantage in January. The last thing this team needs is to babysit a disgruntled wide receiver who, let’s not forget, refused to enter a game a few weeks ago.
Asked why not just release Johnson, Harbaugh said, "There are reasons for doing things, front office type reasons. I want to think about Pittsburgh and the guys who are going to be here getting ready to play Pittsburgh. That's my focus 100 percent."
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) December 16, 2024
Diontae Johnson is nothing more than a headache for the Ravens at this point
While Johnson’s drama plays out off the field, rookie receiver Devontez Walker is doing everything right on it.
The fourth-round pick has quietly worked his way into the Ravens’ plans, and last week’s breakout touchdown against the New York Giants only solidified his place in the rotation. Walker’s hustle and reliability are a direct contrast to Johnson’s antics, and it’s no stretch to say Walker is doing what Johnson was supposed to do: make an impact during a playoff run.
But it’s not just Walker pushing Johnson further out of the picture. Odell Beckham Jr. was recently cut loose by the Dolphins, and a reunion in Baltimore suddenly feels like a no-brainer. OBJ already knows the offense, he’s played with Lamar Jackson, and he thrives in big moments. Adding Beckham for depth—while Walker continues to develop—might be just the insurance policy this team needs for a deep postseason run.
As for Johnson? Enough is enough. His refusal to enter the Eagles game two weeks ago was a blatant act of defiance that sent a clear message: he’s not interested in being part of this team. You don’t come back from that—not in Baltimore. Harbaugh’s terse answers about the situation suggest he’s already moved on, and fans should be right there with him.
The Ravens traded for Johnson hoping he’d be a spark. Instead, he’s been a slow burn of distractions, culminating in a complete no-show when the team needed him most. If the Ravens cut him tomorrow, no one should blink. At this stage in the season, the focus should be on players who want to be part of the fight.
Walker is emerging. Beckham is waiting in the wings. The AFC North is up for grabs, and a Super Bowl run is still in play. The Ravens don’t have time to waste on a player who’s decided to take himself out of the game—literally.
If Johnson doesn’t figure it out, his short stint in Baltimore will be an absolute joke.