Looking to add a spark to their passing game, the Baltimore Ravens made a deal for wide receiver Diontae Johnson prior to the NFL trade deadline.
The Ravens sent a 2025 fifth-round pick to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for Johnson and a 2025 sixth-round pick, which looked like a solid deal for both sides.
Johnson was thriving in Carolina and was expected to play a large role for Lamar Jackson and Baltimore given his strengths as a route runner with sure hands.
However, Johnson played sparingly and had his fair share of issues with the Ravens.
Not only was Johnson suspended one game for conduct detrimental to the team, he also refused to enter their game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Diontae Johnson on the Steelers after the Ravens’ Week 11 loss in Pittsburgh
“I still love the Steelers…I’m a Raven now, but you never know what the future holds” pic.twitter.com/6kt6oWfxru— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) December 20, 2024
Johnson recently was waived by the Ravens, and his Week 11 comments about the Pittsburgh Steelers, his first NFL team, have bubbled back up.
“I still love the Steelers. … I’m a Raven now, but you never know what the future holds,” Johnson said, via Kevin Oestreicher of Locked On Ravens.
It sounds like Johnson already knew his time in Baltimore would be coming to an end as he reflects on his time in Pittsburgh and seemingly leaves the door open for a reunion.
Teams can place a claim to pick up Johnson for the rest of the season, but if no one does, he would become a free agent.
With how things ended in Baltimore, teams might be wary to sign Johnson, who may be able to help a team like Pittsburgh down the stretch.
