The NFL trade winds are howling as the Baltimore Ravens have pulled off a blockbuster deal to acquire wide receiver Diontae Johnson from the Carolina Panthers, per league sources. The move comes as a surprise to many, given Johnson was just traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Panthers this offseason. Now, he finds himself on the move again, staying in the AFC North but switching sidelines to Baltimore.
The Ravens have been in the market for receiving help to support franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson. While tight end Mark Andrews remains Jackson’s go-to target, the Ravens have lacked a true No. 1 wideout who can take the top off a defense. In Johnson, they land a proven commodity who has eclipsed 1,000 yards twice in his young career already.
A Loaded Ravens Offense Gets Another Weapon
Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken must be salivating at the possibilities Johnson brings to an already potent unit. His ability to gain separation and make contested catches should help Jackson immensely, especially with opposing defenses keying on Andrews over the middle. The mere presence of Johnson on the outside will open things up for the entire offense.
Expect the Ravens to deploy plenty of 11 personnel with three receivers, Andrews, and J.K. Dobbins in the backfield. This will spread defenses thin and allow Jackson to dissect them with his arm or legs. If Johnson develops quick chemistry with his star QB, there may be no stopping this Ravens attack.
Compensation Going Back to Carolina
As for what the Ravens had to give up, early indications are a 2nd round pick and 4th round pick are heading to the Panthers. While steep for a wideout who is essentially on a one-year deal, the Ravens are clearly in win-now mode. If Johnson helps deliver a Lombardi trophy to Baltimore, the price will have been well worth it.
Steelers Connections Abound
Interestingly, this is not the first time the Ravens have traded for a former Steelers wide receiver. Just a few years ago, they acquired Ryan Switzer from Oakland after he had a cup of coffee in Pittsburgh. Ravens GM Eric DeCosta clearly likes what he sees in these Steelers pass catchers.
We’re excited to add a dynamic playmaker like Diontae to our team. He’s the type of receiver who can take this offense to another level. Our scouting department has always been high on him, going back to his days at Toledo.
– Ravens GM Eric DeCosta on the trade for Johnson
Super Bowl or Bust for Baltimore?
After an offseason spending spree that landed them the likes of Odell Beckham Jr. and Roquan Smith, the pressure is squarely on the Ravens to deliver a championship. Anything short of a Super Bowl appearance will be viewed as a massive disappointment. But if Johnson proves to be the missing piece that puts this team over the top, the bold trade will be well worth the risk.
While the NFL trade deadline is still a few days away, the Ravens have already made their big splash. Now it’s up to Lamar Jackson, Diontae Johnson, and the rest of this loaded roster to finish the job. The journey begins this Sunday against the division rival Cincinnati Bengals in what suddenly becomes the most anticipated matchup of Week 9.
