As the NFL trade deadline approaches next week, teams in the AFC are making bold moves to enhance their receiving corps. The latest development comes from the Baltimore Ravens, who acquired wide receiver Diontae Johnson from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a late-round pick swap.

This trade may significantly alter the dynamics within the conference, and its implications are more extensive than initially apparent.

Below, we break down the winners, losers, and provide grades for this significant trade, just one week before the November 5 deadline:

WINNERS

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens have bolstered what is likely the league’s most versatile offense with the addition of Johnson. If defenses try to focus on stopping quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry, they risk being shredded by Jackson’s passing options, including the top-tier tight end duo of Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely and an impressive group of wide receivers that now includes Johnson. Balancing between defending against a powerful passing attack and the NFL’s top rushing offense presents a real challenge for opposing teams.

Eric DeCosta

As one of the NFL’s elite general managers, DeCosta has demonstrated his acumen by acquiring Johnson at a surprisingly low cost. This move continues a trend in Baltimore of making impactful midseason additions, reminiscent of previous trades for players like linebacker Roquan Smith and cornerback Marcus Peters.

Diontae Johnson

Transitioning from what is arguably the NFL’s weakest team in Carolina to one of its strongest in Baltimore could be a game-changer for Johnson. As he approaches free agency after the season, excelling with the Ravens might enhance his market value, especially if he plays a key role in their quest for a Super Bowl title for the first time in 12 years.

LOSERS

Diontae Johnson

Despite joining a strong offense, Johnson may find it challenging to secure a top receiver salary due to the possibility of being on his fourth team in a single year by March. Coming from a situation where he faced limited opportunities, while he had 107 receptions for 1,161 yards in his best season in Pittsburgh, he was on course for modest numbers this year with Carolina. With many talented players now on the Ravens’ roster, he may not match those former stats, although he might assume a prominent role.

Dan Morgan

The Panthers’ rookie general manager is responsible for the franchise’s current struggles as they look ahead to another NFL draft. Though he received a Day 3 pick for a player of Johnson’s caliber, it may not seem like enough compensation. Considering Morgan’s earlier trade of Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Burns for only a second-round pick, there’s speculation about whether he could have negotiated a better deal for Johnson or Burns by exploring the market further.

Pittsburgh Steelers

By moving Johnson to the Panthers in exchange for cornerback Donte Jackson, who hasn’t added significant value defensively, the Steelers may regret their decision, especially given the offensive struggles they’re currently experiencing. Johnson’s absence could be felt keenly, particularly with the Ravens, who are competing closely behind them in the division.

Bryce Young

For the Panthers, the top priority should be developing Bryce Young, their top draft pick in 2023. His situation seems precarious, and losing Johnson could stymie progress. While young receivers may gain more opportunities, it will be a tough challenge for them to support Young effectively, especially with Adam Thielen on injured reserve.

Houston Texans

After announcing that wide receiver Stefon Diggs will miss the rest of the season due to an ACL injury, the Texans might have benefited from signing Johnson, especially considering his low acquisition cost. With another receiver, Nico Collins, also sidelined due to injury, it appears general manager Nick Caserio missed an opportunity to strengthen their roster.

Baltimore Ravens

Perhaps DeCosta has more strategies up his sleeve, but shouldn’t his primary concern be strengthening a defense ranked 25th instead of enhancing an offense that’s already performing impressively – as one of only four teams to score at least 20 points and accumulate 375 yards in each of the first eight games of a season?

DIONTAE JOHNSON TRADE EVALUATIONS

Baltimore Ravens: A

The Ravens traded a fifth-round pick for Johnson and a sixth-round pick, enhancing their roster depth, making their offense even more formidable, and notably, preventing Johnson from joining another team like Houston or the Los Angeles Chargers, which could lead to potential challenges in January.

Carolina Panthers: D+

At least they secured something (albeit minimal) for Johnson instead of letting him depart for nothing in 2025 even if they are taking on the majority of his remaining salary. Although there may have been some locker room dynamics at play, if the best option for Morgan was merely improving a Day 3 draft selection, why not take a moment to reconsider or wait a few days to see how the market might shift after Week 9?

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