CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers traded former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson and a sixth-round pick in 2025 to Baltimore for the Ravens’ 2025 fifth-rounder, according to multiple reports.
Johnson had been Carolina’s leading wide receiver since being acquired in an offseason trade with the 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 is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season.
Two-time MVP Lamar Jackson is having the best passing season of his career for the Ravens, with a 115.4 rating and 2,099 yards passing. He’s thrown 17 touchdown passes with only two interceptions.
Johnson now joins second-year wide receiver Zay Flowers and 24-year-old Rashod Bateman — plus a handful of capable tight ends — among Jackson’s options.
However, it’s the defense that threatens to hold the Ravens back.
Baltimore allowed 401 yards in a loss to Cleveland on Sunday that left the Ravens (5-3) a game behind Pittsburgh in the AFC North. So even after acquiring Johnson, Baltimore may not be done dealing before the trade deadline.
The Panthers (1-7) are likely in selling mode with the season slipping away and eager to improve their draft positioning for next season.
