Former Steelers WR future with Baltimore Ravens remains uncertain

Diontae Johnson’s spot on the Ravens roster looks uncertain after a series of frustrations lead to zero snaps played in Week 13.

In a shocking turn of events, it appears that former Steelers WR and current Raven Diontae Johnson has worn out his welcome with another NFL team. While nothing has been confirmed, the writing is on the wall for the disgruntled wide receiver.

Johnson took to social media to seemingly complain about his playing time with the Ravens, and after playing zero snaps in Week 13, his time in Baltimore could be coming to an abrupt end. He had played 17, 5, 11, and 6 snaps in four games from Weeks 9 through 12, respectively.

During the Baltimore Ravens’ Monday presser, HC John Harbaugh was asked to touch on Johnson’s future, but the head coach declined. Harbaugh stated that it would have to wait for another time, as “there’s some moving parts” regarding Johnson. He added that the team would explore where they currently stand with Johnson, and vice versa.

Could Harbaugh be hinting at Johnson’s potential release from the Baltimore Ravens organization? And if he is released, although he is unable to re-sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, could Johnson find himself a suitable contender this close to the playoffs?

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Has former Panthers WR Diontae Johnson already worn out his welcome with Ravens?

Ravens HC John Harbaugh doesn’t seem too positive about WR Diontae Johnson, who was traded to Baltimore by the Panthers a month ago.

Well, it seems as though the Carolina Panthers were right to trade wide receiver Diontae Johnson after all.

Johnson, now a member of the Baltimore Ravens, has yet to find a place in his new digs. Since being shipped away back on Oct. 29, the former Pro Bowler has tallied just a 5-yard reception on only 39 offensive snaps over four games.

Yesterday saw Johnson record the proverbial doughnut in Baltimore’s matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, as he played zero snaps in the team’s 24-19 loss. That inactivity prompted an inquiry for Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, who was asked about Johnson on Monday.

“I’m gonna to have to wait,” Harbaugh replied. “There’s some moving parts there that we’re gonna have to figure out and explore and just see where we’re at. It’s the best I can do, in fairness to everybody.”

Yikes.

The Panthers acquired Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers this past March. He played in seven games for Carolina before being sent off in a deal involving a late-round pick swap for the 2025 draft.

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Steelers CB Donte Jackson takes playful jab at Panthers

The Panthers just caught a stray from their former CB Donte Jackson.

The trapper has become the trapped.

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson, formerly of the Carolina Panthers, spoke with reporters this afternoon—just a few days ahead of his team’s Week 12 matchup with the Cleveland Browns. Jackson was asked if his 8-2, AFC North-leading squad could be facing a trap game against their struggling 2-8 division rivals.

But Jackson, likely jokingly, didn’t understand what the term “trap game” meant . . .

Carolina selected Jackson in the second round of the 2018 NFL draft. And the Panthers, in his six seasons there, went a combined 31-68 with a grand total of zero playoff appearances.

Jackson, of course, was traded to the Steelers this past March. The then-28-year-old defender headed off to Pittsburgh in a deal involving former Pro Bowl wide receiver Diontae Johnson and 2024 pick swap.

Johnson has since been traded by the Panthers while Jackson continues to start on one of the best defenses in football.

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Ravens QB Lamar Jackson confident in growing connection with WR Diontae Johnson

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is confident in growing his connection with wide receiver Diontae Johnson

The Baltimore Ravens acquired wide receiver Diontae Johnson from the Carolina Panthers in a deal to bolster their depth at the position. Baltimore didn’t have to give up much to bring in the veteran wideout, and because of that saw an opportunity to add a quality player at a low cost.

Johnson hasn’t done much in the way of production over his first two games in a Ravens uniform. However, Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson is confident in the growing connection between the two as they continue to get on the same page and work to get to know eachother.

“I feel like it’s good, actually. We were throwing passes out here today – seven-on[-seven, team [drills]. We were looking pretty good, looking pretty solid.”

Johnson will have opportunties to contribute to what hopefully will be a deep Ravens run in 2024. It takes all new players an acclamation period with their new teams, and while Johnson is going through that right now, his skillset and ability as a separator can help Baltimore’s offense in a big way.

Ravens WR Rashod Bateman on Diontae Johnson settling in: ‘It’s been amazing’

Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman talked about wide receiver Diontae Johnson settling in with the team

The Baltimore Ravens’ wide receiver corps has stepped up to the plate in a big way during the 2024 season. Players such as Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman have performed well, while others have also had their moments.

Bateman was asked about the acquisition of a new wide receiver, Diontae Johnson, who hasn’t had much of an impact since coming over from the Carolina Panthers. However, Bateman sang Johnson’s praises, saying it’s been “amazing” having the veteran settle in and calling him a phenomenal football player.

“It’s been amazing. Diontae [Johnson] is a phenomenal football player; we’re glad to have him. He definitely gives us more weapons, [and we can] be more creative with our offense. [I’m] definitely excited to see what we do with him and do with this offense.”

Johnson will suit up for his third game in purple and black on Sunday against his other former team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. A revenge game could be incoming, as he certainly has all the tools to put his talents on full display in Baltimore if given the opportunity.

Ex-Steelers WR Diontae Johnson not biting on shade from Mike Tomlin

Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver had nothing but good things to say about his time with the team ahead of the Baltimore Ravens game.

Mike Tomlin’s brief statement on Diontae Johnson turned into media fodder moments after the words came out of his mouth.

The Pittsburgh Steelers head coach was merely factual when saying Johnson isn’t “on a lot of their video” because he’s not. The Steelers’ former top-producing receiver just arrived in Baltimore two weeks ago.

“To be honest, I haven’t thought a lot about him… They’ve got more significant pieces with larger roles that have occupied my attention at this part of the week,” Tomlin also said.

Two significant components of the Baltimore Ravens offense are Derrick Henry, the NFL’s leading rusher, and Lamar Jackson, who has the second-most passing yards with 2,669.

The media bit on Tomlin’s words, calling it “shade,” but Johnson has nothing but good things to say about going against the Steelers.

Man, I had a great career there. I loved it. Great city, people great there. I know what they’re about. I can’t wait to get to Sunday to just be back in that stadium. I’m ready to get back there just to see the good people that I made relationships with and stuff like that,” Johnson said. “But other than that, it’s a big moment for me.

Johnson hasn’t made an impact through two games in his new Ravens duds. But don’t think he isn’t itching to make a statement against his former team.

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Ravens WR Diontae Johnson discusses being on other side of Steelers rivalry

Ravens wide receiver Diontae Johnson discussed being on the other side of the Steelers rivalry

The Baltimore Ravens traded for wide receiver Diontae Johnson at the 2024 NFL trade deadline. Although he has yet to produce in a big way for his new team, he’s been getting acclimated and up to speed since arriving a few weeks ago.

Johnson played for the Pittsburgh Steelers until this season and is now experiencing what it’s like to be on the other side of the rivalry with Baltimore. He weighed in on his feelings ahead of the Week 11 game between the two teams, mentioning that he’s never been in the away locker room before.

“Yes, it is. Just being back in that stadium, where it all started, it’s going to be different. I actually have never been in the away locker room [in Pittsburgh], so that’s going to be different for me, but I’m ready to get back there, just to see the good people that I made relationships with, but other than that, it’s a big moment for me.”

Johnson should see more opportunities this week, especially since the game could be an uncharacteristic shootout between the Ravens and Steelers. Johnson will be considering scoring a touchdown on his old team, which must be suitable for the long-time Pittsburgh wideout.

Steelers injury update: Donte Jackson expected to play vs Ravens

Donte Jackson suffered a hamstring injury on Sunday’s win over the Commanders.

It’s all hands on deck for the Pittsburgh Steelers this week as they prepare to take on the Baltimore Ravens. Fortunately, it looks like the Steelers will have both of their starting cornerbacks for this week’s game.

According to Steelers beat writer Mark Kaboly, Pittsburgh cornerback Donte Jackson got a clean bill of health on his injured hamstring after an MRI and should be ready to go on Sunday, barring a setback. Jackson suffered the hamstring injury in last Sunday’s win over the Washington Commanders.

The Steelers traded for Johnson at the start of free agency. Pittsburgh sent disgruntled wide receiver Dointae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for Jackson. The Steelers definitely won this trade as Jackson has had a very strong season while Johnson is already on his second team of the season.

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Fans react to Mike Tomlin’s hilarious comments on Diontae Johnson

Steelers fans mock Diontae Johnson after Mike Tomlin’s comments, as bad blood brews before Week 11’s clash with the Ravens.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers WR Diontae Johnson just can’t catch a break! From frustrations in Pittsburgh to unhappiness in Carolina, and now disappointment in Baltimore, Johnson’s negativity seems to follow him wherever he goes.

His recent social media meltdown apparently stemmed from being used sparingly for two consecutive weeks by the Ravens.

As previously reported, Mike Tomlin took a subtle jab at the former Steelers receiver, smirking as he told reporters he’s more concerned with important players who actually get playing time.

Tomlin ultimately had to deal with quite a bit of immaturity from Johnson during the receiver’s time in Pittsburgh, including his struggle to make routine catches on the field, lack of effort on run plays, and his inconsistent attitude both on and off the field.

There’s no secret that some bad blood might be brewing as the team heads into the Week 11 contest against the Baltimore Ravens. Fans of the Steel City took this opportunity to let their boos rain down early on Johnson, with the prelude starting on social media. Here are some of the best reactions to Tomlin’s comments on Johnson.

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Mike Tomlin overlooked ex-Steeler Diontae Johnson for the Ravens’ real playmakers

Mike Tomlin wasn’t roasting Diontae Johnson. He was just stating a fact.

I know we live in a hyper-competitive society that yearns for morsels of drama and pettiness the same way a humble dog begs for dry, probably tasteless kibble when dinner is approximately two minutes late, but let’s not turn Mike Tomlin’s recent comments about former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Diontae Johnson into something they’re not.

Let’s be better than that.

On Tuesday, with the Steelers set to host the rival Baltimore Ravens in a battle for AFC North supremacy this Sunday, Tomlin was asked for his thoughts about game-planning for Johnson now that he plays in Baltimore.

Tomlin answered the question very matter-of-factly. He’s not thinking much about Johnson, if at all. Why? First of all, he’s not trying to roast the veteran because he used to coach him. It’s just that the Ravens have two MVP candidates (reigning MVP Lamar Jackson and superstar running back Derrick Henry) along with explosive receiver Zay Flowers, among others.

Johnson has caught one pass for six yards in two games since getting traded to the Ravens at midseason. Why on Earth would Tomlin devote any notable energy to him right now with arguably the greatest backfield in NFL history awaiting the Pittsburgh defense?

Asking Tomlin whether he’s worried about the Ravens’ seventh-best playmaker is the equivalent of asking an opposing head coach if they’re worried about the New England Patriots’ third-string tight end with prime Tom Brady and Randy Moss coming to town. It’s like asking someone if they’re thinking about the Chicago Bulls’ 10th man in their rotation as Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen bear down on them.

And of course everyone immediately reads into Tomlin dismissing Johnson’s skill-set as some matter of petty disrespect only because he used to play for him. What? C’mon now. The man is simply being honest.

You (a royal you) should know better than that.