Ravens Boost Offense by Acquiring Diontae Johnson for 2025 Draft Picks Swap
Diontae Johnson is returning to the AFC North. According to sources with knowledge of the situation, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported on Tuesday that the Baltimore Ravens are getting the wide receiver from the Carolina Panthers
The exchange involves swapping picks, as Baltimore trades a 2025 fifth-round pick to Carolina in return for Johnson and a sixth-rounder. The Ravens can acquire a receiving weapon at a surprisingly low cost.
The acquisition strengthens an already potent Baltimore offense, which has torn apart defenses both in the air and on the ground during the first eight weeks.
Johnson, who used to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers, joins forces with Lamar Jackson, Zay Flowers, Derrick Henry, Mark Andrews, and Isaiah Likely in a diverse and versatile offensive strategy.
Johnson’s skill on the perimeter is expected to create opportunities for the elusive Flowers and provide Jackson with a weapon to stretch the field and target the sidelines. He provides an instant improvement from Rashod Bateman and guarantees the Ravens’ depth in case of injuries.
Johnson began his NFL career with the Steelers, standing out in the 2021 season with 107 catches for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns. He earned a spot in his inaugural Pro Bowl after the season. In 2022, he achieved an NFL record by catching the most passes in a season without scoring a touchdown, totaling 86 receptions for 882 yards. In the year 2023, he recorded his lowest career statistics with 51 receptions, 717 receiving yards, and five touchdowns.
Johnson had been the top wide receiver for Carolina after being traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for Donte Jackson. Johnson caught 30 passes for 357 yards and scored three touchdowns for Carolina, but missed Sunday’s 28-14 defeat to the Denver Broncos due to a rib injury.
Johnson was scheduled to become a free agent without any restrictions following the end of the season.
Jackson, a two-time MVP for the Ravens, is having his best passing season ever with 2,099 yards and a 115.4 rating. He has made 17 touchdown passes and only two interceptions.
Baltimore gave up 401 yards in a defeat to Cleveland on Sunday, putting the Ravens (5-3) one game behind Pittsburgh in the AFC North. Despite acquiring Johnson, Baltimore might continue making trades before the deadline. With their season going downhill, the Panthers (1-7) are probably going to start selling players and focusing on improving their draft position for next year.
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