Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) reaches for an incomplete pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

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Ravens suspend WR Diontae Johnson for refusing to play vs. Eagles; future with team in doubt

Diontae Johnson's suspension clouds his Ravens future

The Baltimore Ravens have suspended wide receiver Diontae Johnson for one game after he refused to enter their Week 13 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. The team made the announcement on Wednesday, calling his actions “conduct detrimental to the team.” It’s not every day you hear about a player outright declining to play when their team is chasing a playoff spot.

#Ravens say Diontae Johnson's suspension stems from refusing to enter the game against the Philadelphia Eagles. https://t.co/xWqh9XRGIB
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 4, 2024

Johnson’s suspension will keep him out of the Ravens’ Week 14 game against the New York Giants on Dec. 15. He’ll be back the following week when Baltimore takes on the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team that knows Johnson well. But after this latest incident, you have to wonder—does he even have a future in Baltimore?

A frustrating run with the Ravens

Let’s call it what it is: this trade hasn’t worked out for either side. The Ravens brought Johnson in from the Carolina Panthers at the deadline, hoping he could add depth to a thin receiving corps. On paper, it seemed like a smart move. Johnson had been leading the Panthers in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns earlier this season.

But since arriving in Baltimore? Almost nothing. Four games, five targets, one catch, six yards. That’s not production—it’s a stat line you’d expect from a practice squad call-up. And now, refusing to step on the field against the Eagles. It’s hard to imagine a worse look for a guy trying to make an impression before hitting free agency this offseason.

ESPN sources: Ravens are suspending WR Diontae Johnson for one game for conduct detrimental to the team. pic.twitter.com/DzirewzSCI
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 4, 2024

General manager Eric DeCosta didn’t mince words in his statement:

“We have made the difficult decision to suspend Diontae Johnson for our upcoming game against the New York Giants for conduct detrimental to the team. Diontae’s suspension stems from refusing to enter our game against the Philadelphia Eagles. We will have no further comments on this matter going forward.”

Where do the Ravens go from here?

The Ravens are 8-5, fighting for a wild-card spot in the AFC, and dealing with injuries across their roster. Losing Rashod Bateman to a knee injury during the Eagles game was a blow, and that’s where Johnson’s absence was most glaring. Instead of stepping up, he sat out. That’s not something a team with Super Bowl aspirations can overlook.

What happened to Dionate Johnson?

In Pittsburgh, yes was known for his drops but I think you could argue he was a solid Number 2 receiver.

He's traded in the off season to Carolina, he plays ok on a really bad football team, Leading him to being traded to the Baltimore Ravens.… pic.twitter.com/Fobexm2WAE
— Jason Castellano (@_ImJasonC) December 4, 2024

Still, don’t expect Baltimore to cut him loose just yet. The Ravens are masters at playing the long game, especially when it comes to compensatory draft picks. If Johnson walks in free agency this offseason—and let’s be honest, that feels inevitable—they’ll likely get a pick in return. Cutting him now would mean forfeiting that potential future asset. So, what’s the play? Suspend him, keep him off the field if necessary, and ride out the season.

Could another team take a chance on Diontae Johnson?

If the Ravens decide to release Johnson, a handful of teams could see value in him. He’s a proven WR2 when he’s engaged, and for the right system, he might still be a fit.

1. Carolina Panthers:

A reunion might sound strange, but it’s not impossible. The Panthers are 3-9 and going nowhere this season, but they could offer Johnson what he seems to want most: snaps. Bryce Young needs weapons, and Johnson knows the system. Bringing him back could be a low-risk move for a team already out of contention.

2. Denver Broncos:

Bo Nix has been making strides in his rookie season, but Denver’s receiver room is thin. Outside of Courtland Sutton, there’s no consistent threat. Johnson could step in as a WR2 and help bolster their playoff push.

Re: Diontae Johnson

1) It’s understandable for Johnson to be frustrated with being underutilized since his trade. He’s more talented than WR5.

2) It’s not understandable for Johnson to let frustration boil to the point of refusing to play when called upon by his team in the… pic.twitter.com/EmAshgrHjv
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) December 5, 2024

3. Los Angeles Chargers:

This one feels like a long shot, but the Chargers are desperate for receiving help. Justin Herbert is too talented to be throwing to an inconsistent group, and adding Johnson might be the boost they need to stay competitive in a tough AFC.

Johnson’s free agency future

Refusing to play doesn’t sit well with front offices. It raises questions about reliability, professionalism, and fit. Diontae Johnson is in a contract year, and this is when players usually go all out to prove their worth. Instead, he’s torpedoing his own value.

Even Lamar Jackson seemed exasperated after the Eagles game: “We want him out there. He’s a great receiver. We didn’t get him from the Panthers for nothing.”

If Johnson hopes to land a decent deal in free agency, he’ll need to turn things around fast. Teams might still take a gamble—talent always gets second (and third) chances in the NFL—but he’s making it harder on himself.

For now, the Ravens seem content to let him ride the bench. Whether that changes before the season ends is entirely up to Johnson.

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Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
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