Carolina Panthers wideout Diontae Johnson doesn’t really seem to be available to the NFL’s other 31 teams at the moment. But one league insider thinks that could change in a few weeks’ time.
ESPN senior reporter Jeremy Fowler hopped on the Saturday morning edition of SportsCenter to chat about a handful of receivers who could soon be on the move. Fowler brings up Johnson, and states that the former Pro Bowler will likely have a number of interested parties if the Panthers keep falling out of contention.
“Teams are at least on high alert here because they believe if the Panthers continue to struggle, they could be in seller’s mode,” he said. “And Diontae Johnson—only 28 years old, $7 million salary—fairly reasonable for a guy who can be your receiver 1, receiver 1A.”
Well, he’s certainly been that for Carolina—especially since quarterback Andy Dalton took over under center. Johnson, in the last two games, has reeled in 15 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns.
And that may be part of the reason why the Panthers want to hold on to Johnson.
“My job is to do the best thing, to put the best 11 guys out there to win. That’s my job as the head coach,” head coach Dave Canales said on Wednesday when asked about the trade speculation surrounding Johnson. “And the guys we have, we love the guys and the development and progression that we have. So, I don’t see that happening.”
So, at least for now, it’s not happening.
