Ravens Trade for Diontae Johnson: Enhancing Lamar Jackson's Passing Attack
- DailyBuzzReports
- Oct 29, 2024
- 2 min read
The Baltimore Ravens have enhanced their offensive capabilities by trading for veteran wide receiver Diontae Johnson from the Carolina Panthers. The deal, reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, involves the Ravens sending a fifth-round draft pick to the Panthers in exchange for Johnson and a sixth-round pick. This marks Johnson's second trade this year, as he was previously acquired by Carolina from the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Ravens' AFC North rivals.
Johnson’s addition is significant, as he becomes just the third player since 2000 to catch passes for both the Ravens and Steelers, joining Mike Wallace and Miles Boykin. Despite initially expressing a desire to remain with the Panthers, Johnson's frustration grew amid the team's struggles, which included a 1-7 record. He did not play in Carolina's recent loss to the Denver Broncos due to a rib injury, raising speculation about the decision being influenced by potential trade value.
In Baltimore, Johnson will join an already talented receiving corps that includes Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. This trio allows the Ravens to expand their offensive strategy, as they have utilized three or more wide receivers on just 163 plays, one of the lowest rates in the NFL. Lamar Jackson is enjoying his best season as a passer, ranking fifth in the league with 2,099 yards and averaging an impressive 9.7 yards per attempt when targeting wide receivers.
One of Johnson's strengths lies in his ability to make plays along the sideline. Ravens receivers have struggled with only 29 catches on passes thrown outside the numbers this season, one of the worst figures in the league. Johnson, however, has demonstrated proficiency in this area, recording 242 catches outside the numbers since entering the NFL in 2019, placing him sixth overall during that span.
General manager Eric DeCosta has been aggressive in bolstering the team’s roster during the season, marking this trade as his fourth in-season acquisition over the last six years. His previous trades include cornerback Marcus Peters, defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, and linebacker Roquan Smith, showcasing his commitment to enhancing the team's competitiveness.
Meanwhile, the Panthers will now shift their focus to their remaining receiving corps, which features veteran Adam Thielen, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, as well as first-round pick Xavier Legette, Jonathan Mingo, David Moore, and undrafted rookie Jalen Coker. As they navigate the remainder of the season, the Panthers will need to adapt to Johnson’s departure while aiming to improve their dismal record.
Ravens Trade for Diontae Johnson: Enhancing Lamar Jackson's Passing Attack
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