CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Baltimore Ravens have added another offensive playmaker for quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The Ravens acquired wide receiver Diontae Johnson and a sixth-round pick in 2025 on Tuesday from the Carolina Panthers for a 2025 fifth-rounder. The Panthers announced the terms of the trade late Tuesday. Johnson had been Carolina’s leading wide receiver since being acquired in an offseason trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers for cornerback Donte Jackson.
Johnson has 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns for Carolina, but did not play in Sunday’s 28-14 loss to the Denver Broncos because of a rib injury. Johnson was set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season. According to a person familiar with the trade, two other teams expressed interest in acquiring Johnson before the Ravens got involved a couple of days ago.
Given the compensation for Johnson, it’s likely that some teams were scared off by his past issues in the locker room. Eager to improve their draft positioning for next season, the Panthers are likely to listen to more calls before the Nov. 5 trade deadline.
One player that would make sense to move is running back Miles Sanders, but it's unclear if he would command anything on the trade market given his lack of production for Carolina over the past season-and-a-half. Despite their 1-7 record, the Panthers appear unlikely to trade some players, including quarterback Bryce Young, running back Chuba Hubbard and cornerback Jayce.