You can tell the thirsty fans of any receiver-needy teams that Carolina Panthers wideout Diontae Johnson is just focused on being Carolina Panthers wideout Diontae Johnson.
With the Panthers sitting at 1-3 and trade deadline about a month away, the former Pro Bowl pass catcher has been linked to a number of the league’s contenders. And—to be fair to those thirsty fans—it kinda makes sense, right?
Not only is Carolina looking to build for the future, but Johnson is set to become a free agent at season’s end. So will the Panthers really pony up for 28-year-old on an expensive extension or look to sell him off for a useful draft pick or two?
Well, he was asked about the trade speculation on Wednesday . . .
Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson on speculation he could be traded at some point to a team like the Chiefs that need a receiver: listen. pic.twitter.com/ln8H4mu8HE
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) October 2, 2024
Johnson certainly is locked in with the Panthers right now. Over his past two games, he’s collected 15 receptions for 205 yards and two touchdowns.
Head coach Dave Canales, who has repeatedly stressed the importance of Johnson to the offense, was also asked about the chatter this afternoon.
“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,” Canales told reporters. “And the guys we have, we love the guys and the development and progression that we have. So, I don’t see that happening.”
If we’re interpreting that correctly, it’s time to shift that speculation elsewhere, folks.
