If Diontae Johnson thinks Ravens will cut him for Kansas City, he’s dreaming

Diontae Johnson’s brief and chaotic tenure with the Baltimore Ravens has left fans frustrated and analysts scratching their heads. The veteran receiver, brought in to bolster Baltimore’s offense, has made headlines for all the wrong reasons: a one-game suspension, refusal to play, and whispers about his fit in the locker room.

Naturally, speculation has bubbled over. Some believe the Ravens might simply release Johnson, allowing him to sign elsewhere—perhaps with the Kansas City Chiefs, a team that’s perpetually in adding additional weapons for Patrick Mahomes.

David Latham from Last Word on Sports tossed out the idea. But let’s be clear: if Johnson thinks the Ravens are about to do him any favors, he’s got another thing coming.

Baltimore isn’t in the business of making emotional decisions, especially not ones that could benefit a potential playoff rival. And while Johnson’s situation might be messy, releasing him would hurt the Ravens far more than it would help.

Cutting Diontae Johnson would be a gift to Kansas City—and the Ravens don’t give handouts

Here’s the reality: the Ravens stand to lose much more than they’d gain by cutting Johnson outright. For starters, there’s the compensatory pick system. Baltimore has mastered this formula better than any team in the NFL. If Johnson stays on the roster through the end of the season and signs elsewhere as a free agent, the Ravens could recoup a compensatory pick in 2026—likely a fifth-rounder. That’s significant value for a team that builds through the draft.

On the flip side, releasing Johnson now would forfeit that compensation entirely. It’s a move that goes against everything the Ravens’ front office stands for: maximizing value and staying one step ahead.

Then there’s the potential for Johnson to land with a playoff contender like Kansas City. The Chiefs, despite their gaudy record, have struggled offensively at times this season. Pairing Mahomes with a route technician like Johnson, even one having a down year, could give Kansas City a boost as they aim for another Super Bowl.

Why would Baltimore hand-deliver a weapon to one of their biggest AFC rivals?

Of course, this doesn’t mean Johnson is a lock to stick around in Baltimore. The suspension and his lack of production (just one catch for six yards in four games) make his future with the Ravens murky at best. But if the team parts ways with him, it’ll likely be on their terms—perhaps sitting him and letting him walk in the offseason, would work better.

For now, the Ravens are focused on the long game. Johnson’s actions have undoubtedly created a headache, but Baltimore’s front office isn’t about to make a rash decision that benefits anyone but the Ravens. Cutting him would be the easy way out, but it’s not the smart play.

If Diontae Johnson thought his antics would fast-track his exit to a team like Kansas City, he’s got some hard lessons to learn about how Baltimore operates. The Ravens don’t panic, they don’t cave to pressure, and they certainly don’t cut ties without making the most of every opportunity.

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