When the Pittsburgh Steelers made the shocking move to trade away wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, it sent waves through the NFL. Johnson, while undeniably talented, had become a source of frustration within the organization due to reported internal conflicts. The Panthers' decision to flip Johnson midseason to the Steelers' bitter AFC North rival, the Baltimore Ravens, only added to the drama. Many in Pittsburgh viewed this as a nightmare scenario, fearing Johnson’s elite route-running ability would elevate the Ravens' offense to new heights.
@brianbatko / X
Ravens' Diontae Johnson speaks with Brian Batko after losing to the Steelers in Week 11.
However, Johnson’s time in Baltimore has been anything but smooth. Just weeks after the trade, reports of tensions between Johnson and the Ravens’ coaching staff began to emerge. To the surprise of many, the Ravens excused Johnson from their upcoming game against the Steelers, raising eyebrows about his impact—or lack thereof—on the team. What once seemed like a dangerous addition to the Ravens’ arsenal now appears to be a significant miscalculation.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler didn’t hold back in his criticism of the Ravens’ handling of Johnson’s acquisition. In a scathing article, Fowler argued that Baltimore’s decision to trade for Johnson has done more harm than good, citing his lack of production and the growing distractions surrounding his presence. For Steelers fans, what once felt like a potential nightmare has turned into a curious case as Johnson’s tenure with the Ravens continues to unravel.
"Those picks look like wasted capital and a colossal misstep from a team that usually wins these deals," Fowler wrote. "Johnson was unhappy in Carolina, and when he got traded to Baltimore, coaches didn't get him on the field for more than spot duty, which Johnson didn't appreciate."
The Ravens didn’t have to give up much to acquire Johnson, parting with just a fifth-round pick. However, even that modest investment represents draft capital they willingly spent, only to see the move backfire spectacularly. Johnson’s tenure in Baltimore has been a disastrous pairing, and all signs point to the relationship nearing its end.
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Former Steelers receiver during his first day of practice with the Baltimore Ravens in 2024.
Fowler further criticized the Ravens for their lack of foresight in integrating Johnson into their system. He slammed the organization for failing to develop a clear plan for Johnson’s arrival, arguing that their mismanagement has only compounded the issue. What was intended to be a low-risk, high-reward move now seems like a costly blunder for Baltimore.
"It's shocking Baltimore didn't have a better plan for a player with savvy route running and the ability to beat man coverage," Fowler wrote. "It seems like a disconnect between how Baltimore coaches and scouts felt about him. If Johnson had stuck in Carolina and put up numbers, he'd be in line for a nice free agent deal. Now, after he has outstayed his welcome with his third team, it's uncertain what kind of job awaits him in 2025."
The Ravens boast a high-powered offense loaded with talent, making the addition of a skilled player like Johnson seem like a no-brainer. However, instead of elevating the team, Johnson’s arrival has created a significant distraction. His impact has been negative, with reports suggesting the Ravens are already regretting the move. The fact that a veteran wide receiver like Johnson failed to earn meaningful reps just weeks after joining the team speaks volumes about how poorly this experiment has gone.
Steelers Always Are Two Steps Ahead
It’s becoming clear that the Steelers made the right call in parting ways with Johnson when they did. As they have often demonstrated, the Steelers have a knack for knowing when to move on from wide receivers, staying a step ahead in managing their roster. Steeler Nation has relished watching the Ravens’ gamble on Johnson backfire, turning what could have been a nightmare into a point of pride.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Ex-Steelers WR Diontae Johnson catches a pass against the Arizona Cardinals in a Week 13 regular season game.
As Johnson heads into free agency after the 2024 season, his future remains uncertain. Whether any team takes a chance on him in 2025 will depend on his ability to rehabilitate both his game and his reputation. For now, the Ravens' misstep serves as a reminder of how quickly a promising addition can turn into a costly miscalculation.
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