Diontae Johnson addresses Ravens Trade; WR unlikely to become starter?

The Ravens are among the teams that have added an addition at the receiver position. Baltimore added Diontae Johnson from the Panthers, agreeing to Exchange of choice on the third day with Caroline keeping most of her remaining salary.

Given the Ravens’ low acquisition cost, expectations for Johnson upon arrival will be moderate. The 28-year-old has long been considered one of the top wide receiver options available via trade. mid round pick this was once the asking price. Carolina’s willingness to accept only a small increase in the initial capital, while absorbing most of Johnson’s compensation due, speaks to the mutual desire of both parties to move forward.

“Once I knew where I was going, I was excited.” The Toledo product confirmed when asked about his acquisition by the Ravens (via Clifton Brown from the team website). “A sigh of relief. I’m ready to work.”

With three seasons of at least 882 receiving yards on his resume, Johnson brings not only experience to the Ravens’ receiving corps, but also an outstanding reputation compared to the team’s other options at the position. Baltimore has recent first-rounders Zay Flowers And Rashod Bateman are on track to reach the top of their manufacturing careers, but adding another goal—especially if either member of the pair misses significant time—is a smart move. It remains to be seen how involved Johnson will be in the game as he acclimates to Baltimore’s offense.

On this occasion, says seasoned insider Josina Anderson The Johnson acquisition is not expected to reduce Flowers’ or Bateman’s workload. Baltimore rarely uses three-receiver sets, and yet all three of the team’s tight ends (Mark Andrews, Isaiah Probably And Charlie Kolar) together with the defender Patrick Ricard healthy, and should remain so in the future. Johnson, whose most productive campaign came in 2021 with 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns, will lead Nelson Agholor for the WR3 concert in this scenario.

Head coach Voronov John Harbaugh added that the team is considering using Johnson as a punt returner. Deonte Harty is now on IR due to a knee injury, creating a need for special teams. Johnson hasn’t handled return duties since the first two years of his career (he also did so in college), and this may be his best path to significant use on his new team. As a pending free agent, his performance in any field will be key to determining his market value.