The Diontae Johnson experiment in Baltimore is over. The Ravens waived Johnson, the team announced Friday. Additionally, Baltimore activated receiver Anthony Miller and defensive back Desmond King.
Diontae Johnson Waived
We have waived WR Diontae Johnson. We have activated DB Desmond King and WR Anthony Miller from the Practice Squad for tomorrow's game.
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 20, 2024
Johnson’s tenure in Baltimore will be considered a failure.
On Oct. 29, the Ravens traded a 2025 fifth-round pick to the Carolina Panthers for Johnson and a 2025 sixth-round pick.
At the time, the Johnson trade was considered a low-risk move. Johnson is in the final year of a $3.5 million contract. However, the Panthers paid most of Johnson’s salary, as the Ravens only paid him $625,000.
The Ravens thought they were getting a productive receiver who could be another target for Lamar Jackson. Johnson had 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns for the Panthers this season.
Johnson has been the furthest thing from productive in Baltimore, with only one catch in four games. Johnson was later suspended one game by the Ravens for refusing to enter Week 13’s game against the Eagles.
Earlier this week, the Ravens agreed to excuse Johnson from team activities.
Now, Johnson heads to the waiver wire, so we’ll see if another team picks him up before the end of the year.
Diontae Johnson is no longer suspended. He has not been cut, either.
But, the team announced that the two sides have "mutually agreed" to excuse him from team activities this week.
John Harbaugh was asked if he foresees Johnson returning next week:
"What I foresee, really to… pic.twitter.com/K2lbiGl0Ho
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) December 16, 2024
Ravens Face Steelers In AFC North Battle
Are we in for another classic Steelers-Ravens showdown? 👀
📺: #PITvsBAL – Saturday 4:30pm ET on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/NdmGK7LpT7— NFL (@NFL) December 20, 2024
In Week 16, the Ravens face the Steelers in their biggest game of the season.
Baltimore is one game behind the Steelers in the AFC North. If Baltimore wins, then the AFC North will come down to the results of the final two games.
If the Steelers win, the Steelers clinch the AFC North, meaning the highest seed the Ravens could get is No. 5.
The Steelers have been Jackson’s kryptonite. The two-time MVP is 1-4 as a starter against Pittsburgh. Jackson has thrown for 1,077 yards, five touchdowns, and eight interceptions when facing Pittsburgh.
Jackson struggled against Pittsburgh in Week 11, completing 16 of 33 passes for 207 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in an 18-16 loss.
The Ravens (9-5) host the Steelers (10-4) on Dec. 21 at 4:30 p.m. ET.
