Panthers, Chargers Almost Agreed to Blockbuster Trade

Former Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Diontae Johnson is now a Houston Texan, but the one-time Pro Bowler almost joined the Los Angeles Chargers. Released by the Ravens prior to Week 16’s action, the Texans and Chargers both put in claims for the veteran. However, Houston got him thanks to tiebreakers in the waiver process.

While the Chargers came up short, this isn’t the first time they tried to get Diontae Johnson. According to Jordan Schultz, Los Angeles had “several calls” with Carolina around the trade deadline, but ultimately couldn’t get a deal done. The Panthers traded Johnson to the Ravens, and the rest is history.

#Chargers had several calls with Carolina on Diontae Johnson before the Panthers traded him to Baltimore. https://t.co/Gj64XE93jX — Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) December 23, 2024

Chargers, Panthers Almost Agreed to Diontae Johnson Trade

It’s a little surprising the Chargers weren’t able to land Johnson at the trade deadline. After finishing the 2023 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team traded him to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for cornerback Donte Jackson. Originally brought on to provide support for quarterback Bryce Young, Johnson led the team in receptions and receiving yards through the first seven games of the season.

Despite the success, Carolina decided Johnson wasn’t a part of the long-term plans and traded him and a sixth-round pick to the Ravens for a fifth-round pick. The Chargers shouldn’t have struggled to beat this marginal swap in draft capital, but apparently, they were unwilling to give up more than a 15-pick swap late on Day 3 of the NFL Draft.

That may have been the wise decision, and Johnson quickly wore out his welcome with the Baltimore Ravens. Brought on to be a depth piece, the wideout recorded just one catch for six yards in his four games with the team. This lack of involvement culminated in Johnson refusing to play in Week 13’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Following a quick one-game suspension, the Ravens decided to cut their losses and put Diontae Johnson on waivers.

What’s Next

For better or worse, Diontae Johnson will spend the rest of the 2024 season with the Houston Texans. Following the Tank Dell injury, Johnson can re-establish his value ahead of his impending free agency. Nico Collins will be the top option in this passing attack, but Johnson has a clear path to the WR2 job. With Houston destined to win the AFC South, Johnson could play a pivotal role on the playoff hopeful.

The Chargers, meanwhile, will carry on with Justin Herbert, rookie sensation Ladd McConkey, and not much else. While 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston had his moments throughout the season, the second-year pro is better in a depth role. Head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to win with the run game, and he might be able to do that again with J.K. Dobbins set to return from the injured reserve. Los Angeles is probably a year or two away from seriously competing for a title, but they’re on the right track.

Last but not least is the Baltimore Ravens. Following the Diontae Johnson release, the team will carry on with former first-round picks Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman as the top receivers on the depth chart. Both players have played well this year, and their reliable presence combined with Derrick Henry’s physical style of running gives Baltimore one of the best all-around offenses in football.

Main Photo: Barry Reeger – USA Today Sports

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