It is not a hot take to say that the Baltimore Ravens’ Diontae Johnson signing has not worked out. It wouldn’t even be controversial to say that this was a disaster signing.
He’s played just one 39 offensive snaps in Baltimore, and when asked to play against the Eagles, he refused out of frustration with his lack of usage.
I’m not sure how that “logic” works exactly—being upset about not getting enough playing time but then saying no when asked to play. However, that all works. Johnson is currently suspended, and the disciplinary action has invited speculation that he could be released.
Widespread reports indicate the Ravens are/have considered it, but one potential consequence might keep the team from actually doing it. The fear is that should the Ravens cut Johnson, he could return to his former team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he would then provide insider info to the archrivals.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler writes:
Whether the Steelers would want him back is unclear, but the way some people around the league see it: The threat of him sharing Ravens offensive intel with Pittsburgh could make Baltimore hold on to him.
This doesn’t seem like the best reason to keep Johnson around, but the concerns are understandable. Overall, it’s a messy situation.