Diontae Johnson’s High Potential NFL Touchdown Spots After Ravens Launch

The Baltimore Ravens waived large receiver Diontae Johnson simply 52 days after beforehand buying him in a commerce with the Carolina Panthers.

It did not work out for both aspect. Johnson noticed little taking part in time after which refused to enter his group’s 24-19 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Dec. 1. The Ravens responded by suspending Johnson for his or her 35-14 win in opposition to the New York Giants on Dec. 15. Now Johnson is out of city after catching only one go for six yards in 4 video games performed.

Johnson, in fact, is able to far better manufacturing. He snagged 30 passes for 357 yards and three touchdowns in seven video games for Carolina earlier than leaving for Baltimore. Johnson additionally averaged 78 catches for 873 yards and 5 scores throughout his 5 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2019-2023).

Now, different NFL groups have the chance to land Johnson through waivers. In response to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, it seems like some franchises shall be .

This is a take a look at three high potential touchdown spots for Johnson because the common season shortly approaches its conclusion.

Johnson posted a per-17 recreation common of 86 catches, 963 yards and 6 touchdowns in Pittsburgh, per Pro Football Reference. He earned Professional Bowl honors in 2021 after catching 107 passes for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns on an eye-popping 169 targets.

His numbers have tailed off a bit since then, partly due to inconsistent quarterback play in Pittsburgh in 2022 and 2023.

Nonetheless, Russell Wilson has fared properly in Pittsburgh, going 6-2 whereas finishing 64.7 % of his passes for 13 touchdowns (simply three interceptions) and 1,912 yards (8.1 YPA).

Johnson may thrive in Pittsburgh once more, and the chance could also be there for him to take action.

George Pickens is the clear high pass-catcher in Pittsburgh, however he’ll miss three straight games with a hamstring harm after sitting Saturday’s recreation on the Ravens. Calvin Austin III has made some large performs because the WR2 with 452 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns, however he is additionally caught simply 28 passes in 14 video games. No different Steeler large receiver has greater than 231 yards.

Johnson may be productive, constant and dependable for Wilson, absorbing targets and grow to be a top-two receiver down the stretch. Of be aware, Johnson did have a drop downside, notably in 2020, however that is since been cleaned up. Daniel Valente of The Rating famous this final March.

Briefly, Johnson appears as if he’d fill a necessity in Pittsburgh, a group that might use some offensive reinforcements because it makes an attempt to carry off the Ravens for first within the AFC North.

The Commanders may use a No. 2 large receiver reverse Terry McLaurin, particularly with wideout Noah Brown positioned on injured reserve with a kidney harm.

Just one large receiver on the lively roster, McLaurin, has greater than 300 receiving yards this season. Johnson eclipsed that quantity in his sixth recreation this season.

In addition they may use extra weapons for quarterback Jayden Daniels usually, particularly with versatile working again Austin Ekeler still out for a minimum of two extra weeks after touchdown on injured reserve following a concussion and nerve harm .

In October, ESPN’s Dan Graziano wrote about commerce targets and talked about the New England Patriots as a possible touchdown spot for Johnson.

He additionally added: “However the Rams, Chiefs, Commanders and Cowboys would additionally all love so as to add a proficient WR.”

The Commanders by no means added a wideout on the deadline, though they did choose up cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints.

Johnson is obtainable now, although. And with the Commanders preventing for a playoff spot, Johnson might be an enormous increase to the offense in a complementary function alongside McLaurin because the de-facto WR2.

The Los Angeles Chargers are virtually sure to make the playoffs after a dramatic 34-27 comeback win over the Denver Broncos on Thursday.

If there’s room for enchancment, it is perhaps discovered within the receiving corps, which has been largely inconsistent or missing in manufacturing outdoors dependable rookie Ladd McConkey.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote this on Oct. 26: “Groups nonetheless in want of a receiver are considered the Steelers and the Chargers, amongst others.”

ESPN’s Seth Walder wrote that the Chargers ought to goal Johnson in late October:

“Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston have been higher than anticipated, however now that the Chargers are firmly within the AFC playoff combine, why not add a powerful route runner in Johnson to offer Justin Herbert an open goal? The funding would not be important as a result of Johnson is within the final yr of his deal, and if it really works out, the Chargers can have the primary shot at signing him in free company, too.”

McConkey has been a dependable rookie with 69 catches foe 960 yards and 5 touchdowns. Josh Palmer is a stable deep risk. However second-year professional Quentin Johnson, who has scored eight occasions, has struggled with drops. He is solely caught 37 of hid 69 targets.

Johnson may definitely arrive in Los Angeles and a minimum of be insurance coverage if wanted or enter the fray if the Chargers are searching for extra assist.