Pro Bowl wide receiver Diontae Johnson’s recent struggles could signal his departure from the Ravens in free agency next season, with teams like the Chargers and Chiefs potentially showing interest. After a tough loss on Sunday, Johnson failed to register a single catch despite limited playing time. Ravens coach John Harbaugh has expressed plans to start him in a full-time role, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Johnson ends up with a team in need of additional receiving talent. Earlier this year, Johnson was involved in trade rumors after a brief stint with the Panthers.
A third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Johnson was expected to step up as the Steelers’ top deep threat following Antonio Brown’s trade to the Raiders. He had a promising rookie season with 680 receiving yards and five touchdowns. However, he never fully met expectations in Pittsburgh, despite surpassing 1,000 yards in 2021. Injuries took a toll on him during his final season with the Steelers, and he struggled in Carolina, lacking a solid supporting cast.
Johnson’s future may be uncertain if he doesn’t find a way to contribute significantly in Baltimore. He could still rejuvenate his career with the Ravens, though it seems unlikely he’ll flourish alongside Lamar Jackson, who already relies on top targets Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. The Los Angeles Chargers might be an interesting option, as they could benefit from adding another receiver to complement Justin Herbert, who is performing well despite early-season injury struggles. Although the Chargers have emphasized their offensive line and run game, they lack a true star pass catcher. Johnson could provide an upgrade over their current rotating receivers and potentially develop chemistry with Herbert.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs are dealing with their own receiver issues. After a loss to the Buffalo Bills, rookie Xavier Worthy has struggled, and with Travis Kelce off his game and other receivers sidelined, the Chiefs are hoping DeAndre Hopkins can step up. While Johnson may not possess the speed or agility of someone like Worthy, the Chiefs have a history of adding speedy receivers, and they might take a chance on him if they face a first-round playoff exit.
