Tag: Diontae Johnson trade

Did Ravens’ disastrous drops in the loss to Browns lead to decision to acquire Diontae Johnson?

Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer reports that the Baltimore Ravens entered the mix late to trade for Diontae Johnson

The Ravens’ five-game winning streak ended after a disastrous 29-25 loss to the Browns in Week 8.  One of the most significant components of the defeat was Rashod Bateman dropping a wide-open pass on a third down late in regulation.

“No, I saw the ball all the way up to the last minute, and then the ball went directly into the sun,” Bateman said. “I can’t do anything about that, so God just got me on that one, I guess. That’s all I can say.

Hours after the loss and just days before the NFL trade deadline, Baltimore acquired former Panthers and Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson. Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer reports that the Ravens entered the mix for Johnson late, and you have to wonder if Sunday’s game played a part in the deal.

While Johnson had been the Panthers’ No. 1 wideout all offseason and into training camp and the regular season, his 30 catches for 357 yards and three touchdowns weren’t enough to entice a team to trade major assets for him. In Baltimore, he will be no better than the third wideout behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, most likely.

Johnson could eventually cede snaps from Nelson Agholor, while Zay Flower has solidified himself as one of the top young pass catchers in the NFL.

If Bateman can be more consistent, Baltimore’s passing game could be lethal down the stretch.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Texans miss out on potential Stefon Diggs replacement

The Houston Texans miss out on a potential Stefon Diggs replacement after the Baltimore Ravens traded for Diontae Johnson.

While the Houston Texans could be in line to target a receiver via trade after losing Stefon Diggs, Diontae Johnson won’t be an option.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Baltimore Ravens are acquiring the Carolina Panthers receiver in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Carolina will also send Baltimore a 2025 sixth-round pick.

According to The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec, the Panthers are also paying down some of his salary, meaning that Baltimore will owe Johnson roughly $625K for the rest of the year.

Johnson is on the move for the second this season. Carolina acquired Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers in hopes of elevating its receiving corps under new head coach Dave Canales this offseason.

In seven games with the NFC South franchise, Johnson totaled 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns.

He is now the fourth receiver traded to an AFC team this month, joining former Raiders star Davante Adams (New York Jets), Tennessee Titans All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins (Kansas City Chiefs) and Browns Pro Bowler Amari Cooper (Buffalo Bills).

Diggs, who joined the Texans via trade this offseason from Buffalo, suffered a torn ACL in Week 8’s win over the Indianapolis Colts and will miss the remainder of the season. The four-time Pro Bowler was also in a contract year and will become a free agent this offseason.

“You can’t really — you try to think positively about it, but it’s not a bunch of positive thoughts,” quarterback C.J. Stroud said. “I just feel bad for him. I’m praying for him.”

Houston’s loss comes on short notice as the Texans take on the New York Jets this Thursday. Top target Nico Collins remains on the injured reserve, but he is expected back for Week 10’s showdown against the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football.

With Collins out, Diggs had been Stroud’s go-to target. In eight games, he ranked seventh in the NFL in catches (47)  and was second on the Texans in yards (496). Diggs also was tied for the team lead in receiving touchdowns with three.

“Love everything about Stef and everything he brought to our team,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Praying for him to get back strong.”

How the Texans look without Diggs could factor into Houston targeting a receiver before the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 5. Tank Dell, John Metchie III, Xavier Hutchinson and Robert Woods headline a receiver room that’ needs someone to step up.

Dell should be the favorite to take over as the new No. 1 for Week 9, especially given his relationship with Stroud. So far, the second-year target has struggled to duplicate his rookie success as the No. 3 option.

Through seven games, Dell has totaled 229 receiving yards and two touchdowns, including one in Sunday’s win during the second quarter.

Kickoff from MetLife Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.