While the Houston Texans could be in line to target a receiver via trade after losing Stefon Diggs, Diontae Johnson won’t be an option.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Baltimore Ravens are acquiring the Carolina Panthers receiver in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Carolina will also send Baltimore a 2025 sixth-round pick.
According to The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec, the Panthers are also paying down some of his salary, meaning that Baltimore will owe Johnson roughly $625K for the rest of the year.
Johnson is on the move for the second this season. Carolina acquired Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers in hopes of elevating its receiving corps under new head coach Dave Canales this offseason.
In seven games with the NFC South franchise, Johnson totaled 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns.
He is now the fourth receiver traded to an AFC team this month, joining former Raiders star Davante Adams (New York Jets), Tennessee Titans All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins (Kansas City Chiefs) and Browns Pro Bowler Amari Cooper (Buffalo Bills).
The Ravens, as others have reported, are sending a 2025 fifth-round pick to the Carolina Panthers for WR Diontae Johnason and a 2025 sixth-round pick.
Per sources, the Panthers are also paying down some of his salary. So Ravens will owe him about $625K rest of year.— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) October 29, 2024
Diggs, who joined the Texans via trade this offseason from Buffalo, suffered a torn ACL in Week 8’s win over the Indianapolis Colts and will miss the remainder of the season. The four-time Pro Bowler was also in a contract year and will become a free agent this offseason.
“You can’t really — you try to think positively about it, but it’s not a bunch of positive thoughts,” quarterback C.J. Stroud said. “I just feel bad for him. I’m praying for him.”
C.J. Stroud on losing one of his top receivers, Stefon Diggs:
Admitted he’s trying to find the positives, but has found it hard to do in the moment: pic.twitter.com/2WEpesyFIL
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) October 29, 2024
Houston’s loss comes on short notice as the Texans take on the New York Jets this Thursday. Top target Nico Collins remains on the injured reserve, but he is expected back for Week 10’s showdown against the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football.
With Collins out, Diggs had been Stroud’s go-to target. In eight games, he ranked seventh in the NFL in catches (47) and was second on the Texans in yards (496). Diggs also was tied for the team lead in receiving touchdowns with three.
“Love everything about Stef and everything he brought to our team,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Praying for him to get back strong.”
It’s a pick swap between the teams — Baltimore’s 5th for Carolina’s 6th rounder this year. https://t.co/3pcgBbQnE1
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 29, 2024
How the Texans look without Diggs could factor into Houston targeting a receiver before the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 5. Tank Dell, John Metchie III, Xavier Hutchinson and Robert Woods headline a receiver room that’ needs someone to step up.
Dell should be the favorite to take over as the new No. 1 for Week 9, especially given his relationship with Stroud. So far, the second-year target has struggled to duplicate his rookie success as the No. 3 option.
Through seven games, Dell has totaled 229 receiving yards and two touchdowns, including one in Sunday’s win during the second quarter.
Kickoff from MetLife Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.
