It looks like the Baltimore Ravens’ trade for Diontae Johnson has certainly been a bust. The decision to waive him after such a brief and underwhelming stint highlights the risks that come with midseason trades, especially when expectations don’t match the on-field results. It seems like Johnson didn’t fit into the Ravens’ offensive scheme, or perhaps injuries or other factors played a role in his limited involvement. It’s always tough when a player doesn’t pan out after a trade, but that’s part of the unpredictable nature of the NFL. The Ravens will now have to regroup and adjust their receiving corps moving forward.
Diontae Johnson’s time with the Baltimore Ravens has certainly been filled with drama and disappointment. After being traded from the Steelers to the Panthers, and then subsequently dealt to the Ravens, it’s clear his career trajectory has taken a troubling turn. His minimal impact on the field, followed by the suspension for refusing to enter a game, really shows that there were deeper issues beyond just the stats.
The Ravens hoped Johnson could provide a spark to their offense as a big-play threat, but it just didn’t materialize. His limited production with Baltimore (only one catch for six yards) and the earlier issues with Carolina demonstrate how difficult it can be for a player to find his fit after being moved around so much.
For Johnson, it’s been a year of upheaval, and it will be interesting to see where his career goes from here. Hopefully, he can find a place where he can regain his confidence and contribute meaningfully again. As for the Ravens, they’ll likely need to reassess their receiver situation and perhaps look for more consistent playmakers.
Diontae Johnson’s situation has definitely turned into a whirlwind since the start of the 2023 season. Now searching for his fourth team in a little over a year, it highlights just how quickly things can unravel in the NFL for a player whose performance doesn’t meet expectations, or who faces off-field issues.
It’s an interesting point that the Ravens may have held on to him as a strategic move to avoid the Steelers potentially claiming him, especially with their wide receiver depth being tested after George Pickens’ injury. That added a layer of complexity to the decision, knowing that Johnson could become an option for their division rivals in a crucial game, as the Steelers could clinch the AFC North with a win on Saturday.
The timing of the waiver process also makes it clear that Baltimore wanted to keep Johnson away from any immediate impact on the Steelers’ plans, which could have had a ripple effect on their own playoff hopes. Now, Johnson will likely have a brief window to catch on with another team, and it’ll be interesting to see if he can find any stability or opportunity elsewhere.
