Wide receiver Diontae Johnson is the definition of a low-risk, medium-reward free agent, as the former Pittsburgh Steeler is coming off one of the worst contract seasons in recent memory. Frustrated with his role in Mike Tomlin’s passing attack, Pittsburgh traded him to the Carolina Panthers during the 2024 offseason. The Toledo product quickly wore out his welcome with the new club, and Carolina traded him to the Ravens for next to nothing at the deadline.
Instead of re-establishing his value with an elite quarterback, Johnson caught just one pass for six yards in four games with Lamar Jackson. Baltimore cut him after refusing to enter a game, and Johnson landed with the Houston Texans in time for the playoffs. However, he ran into similar issues down south, and the team cut him following their Wild Card win over the Houston Texans. He’s technically back on the Baltimore Ravens, but the team only claimed him in hopes of receiving a compensatory draft pick.
Ultimately, Diontae Johnson burned four bridges in just under a year, and nobody will give a long-term contract to anyone with this much baggage. However, based on talent alone, he’s still a starting-caliber wide receiver who could be a great value signing if he can keep his head on straight. Spotrac projects him to sign a one-year, $3.6 million deal, which could be a bargain. Given the low investment, the Los Angeles Chargers and New Orleans Saints could roll the dice on the troubled wide receiver.
Chargers, Saints Could Sign Impending Free Agent Diontae Johnson
The Los Angeles Chargers are one of the few teams to show any interest in Diontae Johnson during his fall from grace. Jim Harbaugh’s squad reportedly tried to trade for Johnson at the deadline and were one of two teams to put in a claim when the Ravens cut him. Frankly, it’s easy to see why the team tried to add a pass-catcher, as rookie Ladd McConkey was the only consistent pair of hands on the team. Quentin Johnston had his moments last year, but the former first-round pick is far too inconsistent to be a starter.
The Chargers have over $63 million in cap space, and they could get another $24 million by releasing Joey Bosa. While they have needs at edge defender, guard, center, and tight end, it’s safe to assume they can afford a better free agent than Diontae Johnson. However, even if they go after someone like Tee Higgins or Chris Godwin, they could still take a low-risk gamble on Johnson. This team must completely rebuild their wide receiver room, and the minimal financial investment means Los Angeles could just cut him if the signing doesn’t work out.
Bargain Shopping
The New Orleans Saints are in salary cap hell once again and have no choice but to buy low on veteran free agents like Diontae Johnson to try and fix the numerous holes on this roster. Wide receiver Chris Olave might not return next year, and even if he does, his extensive concussion history makes him a risky bet to stay healthy. Rashid Shaheed is a solid deep threat, but this team needs someone who can consistently get open and move the ball downfield.
In theory, Diontae Johnson fits that description. While New Orleans might have to put up with some off-field headaches, his time in Carolina proved he can still play if he’s getting the ball. Whether it’s Derek Carr, fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler, or someone else, the quarterback will need someone who can get open and mitigate the effects of this poor offensive line.
Main Photo: Troy Taormina – Imagn Images
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