Diontae Johnson has said he would prefer to stay in Charlotte, but as the Panthers trudge through another down season amid a rebuild, the receiver they acquired to boost Bryce Young‘s development appears likely to be dealt.
As the Rams’ two victories have effectively removed Cooper Kupp off the trade block, the Panthers sit 1-6. They are expected to make trades, and ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter indicates Johnson looks on track to be moved before the November 5 deadline.
Both Davante Adams and Amari Cooper brought third-round picks — Adams a conditional third that could jump to a second (though, that is unlikely) — in trades, while DeAndre Hopkins headed to Kansas City for a conditional fifth. The Panthers appear to be seeking compensation that lands in between these hauls. Carolina is expected to aim for a mid-round pick for Johnson, according to Schefter.
Early this month, Johnson’s name began to circulate in trade rumors. The Panthers, per Schefter, have indeed received multiple inquiries on the shifty receiver. Carolina obtained Johnson in a March trade that sent cornerback Donte Jackson to Pittsburgh. The 2019 third-round pick is in a contract year, and although he has expressed an openness to a Panthers extension, it appears more likely another team will hold his exclusive negotiating rights soon. The Panthers had not started Johnson extension talks coming into the season; it does not look like any traction has emerged on that front — especially as the team benched Young after two games.
Young is back in Carolina’s lineup today, as Andy Dalton sustained a sprained thumb in a car accident this week. But the 2023 No. 1 overall pick’s return may not represent a renewed Panthers commitment from a long-term perspective. With Johnson’s presence not boosting Young in the way the team hoped — as the 5-foot-10 passer struggled mightily in Weeks 1 and 2 — the ex-Ben Roethlisberger target will likely be helping another quarterback soon.
The Steelers have been looking for a receiver, being linked to Adams and Hopkins, but it would surprise if they made a move to reacquire Johnson, who remains tied to the two-year, $36.7MM contract GM Omar Khan authorized in summer 2022. Johnson, 28, showed elite route-running chops in Pittsburgh while displaying a drop propensity. He also has yet to play with a high-end quarterback, as Roethlisberger was in decline by the time the duo linked up and Kenny Pickett quickly showed he would not be the future Hall of Famer’s long-term successor.
The Toledo alum has an 1,161-yard season, along with two other years north of 880, on his resume, as his separation ability consistently drew targets in Pittsburgh. Johnson joins Dalton in being set to miss today’s Panthers-Broncos matchup, being sidelined with a rib injury, but teams do not appear concerned this will impact the WR beyond the deadline. For the season, Johnson has 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns. Dalton’s 2024 debut doubled as Johnson’s career-high receiving yardage outing (122), and the veteran receiver added two more 75-plus-yard showings for the struggling Panthers since.
With Kupp more than likely off the table, Schefter indicates Johnson is the most likely wideout to be moved before the deadline. If Johnson is traded next week, just less than $4MM would remain on his 2024 base salary.
With Dalton out, a trade of Johnson would be a sign they’ve given up on Young and are willing to throw him to the wolves. I know they’re not going anywhere this season, but besides Young, what kind of message does that send to the rest of the team?
That you realize you messed up trading up for and taking him. That you don’t want to compound the mistake and are willing to get assets necessary for the rebuild you will be facing.
I heard a local yinzer sports radio talking head say that league rules prevent the Steelers from trading for Johnson. He either didn’t say or I didn’t listen long enough to hear why.
Is there a rule against trading for a player you traded within a year? Only thing I could think of…
Heard that referenced the other day but Stacey Dales as well. She said two years you aren’t allowed to trade for someone you traded away. Doesn’t make sense TBH, I could understand within same season but why restrict that if a team is silly enough to trade for a player they traded earlier that year.
You are correct, a team that trades away a player may not require them through trade for two seasons. This is designed to prevent owners/GMs from “lending” players to another organization. Not sure why it’s two instead of one year, but the NBA also has this rule.
Several teams could scoop him. He’s relatively low stakes and cheap in market. Off top of my head, he could add to dolphins lions broncos and cardinals offenses