**CHARLOTTE, N.C.** — The Baltimore Ravens have bolstered their offense with the acquisition of wide receiver Diontae Johnson from the Carolina Panthers.
On Tuesday, the Ravens traded a fifth-round pick in 2025 to the Panthers in exchange for Johnson and a sixth-round pick in 2025. The Panthers confirmed the trade details later that evening.
Johnson, who became the Panthers’ leading receiver after joining from the Pittsburgh Steelers in an offseason trade for cornerback Donte Jackson, has recorded 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns this season. However, he missed the Panthers’ recent 28-14 loss to the Denver Broncos due to a rib injury.
With Johnson set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season, two other teams had shown interest in him before the Ravens finalized the deal, according to a source familiar with the situation. The compensation involved may indicate that some teams were deterred by Johnson’s previous locker room issues.
The Panthers, currently focused on improving their draft position, are likely to entertain further trade offers before the November 5 deadline.
While running back Miles Sanders could be a candidate for trade, his recent performance may affect his value on the market. Despite their dismal 1-7 record, the Panthers are not expected to trade key players like quarterback Bryce Young, running back Chuba Hubbard, or cornerback Jaycee Horn, as they are well-regarded within the organization.
For the Ravens, quarterback Lamar Jackson is enjoying a standout season, boasting a career-high passer rating of 115.4 with 2,099 yards, 17 touchdown passes, and just two interceptions. Johnson will join young talents like Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, along with several capable tight ends.
However, the Ravens’ defense poses a concern, having allowed 401 yards in a recent loss to the Browns, leaving them at 5-3 and a game behind Pittsburgh in the AFC North. With the trade deadline approaching, Baltimore may not be finished making moves. Johnson’s best season was in 2021, when he had 107 catches for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns with the Steelers.
