The Ravens currently hold a commanding #1 ranking on offense, averaging 452.1 yards per game (YPG), which puts them well ahead of the second-ranked 49ers at 412.4 YPG. This raises the question: how will the acquisition of Diontae Johnson affect the distribution of the ball as Baltimore moves into the second half of the season, and why did they make this trade?
View the latest NFL odds at Bovada
Impact of Diontae Johnson on Ravens’ WR Depth
From what I gather, the Ravens see Johnson as a valuable addition, bringing speed, separation, and punt-returning skills—especially critical now that Deonte Harty is on injured reserve with a knee issue. Before Johnson’s arrival, Tylan Wallace and Zay Flowers were the main options for fielding, so adding depth was definitely a smart move to guard against potential injuries.
We’ve seen how quickly things can change in the NFL, particularly for fans in Houston who just witnessed the devastating loss of Stefon Diggs to a torn ACL, while Texans WR Nico Collins is dealing with his hamstring problem. Yet, it seems that the Ravens remain steadfast in their belief that Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman will continue to be their top receivers.
It’s been reinforced to Flowers and Bateman, even going back to last year when the team added additional weapons at wideout, that the organization not only believes in the aforementioned duo but also has very high confidence in them. So I was told they “are not messing with that.”
Even with Johnson’s obvious route-running skills, I’m told the organization is keenly aware that both Flowers and Bateman are currently “top-20 producing wide receivers in the league.” Right now, Flowers ranks 11th with 527 receiving yards, and Bateman is 20th with 422ry on the season so far. Plus, Bateman, back in April, secured a two-year, $12.87 million extension—talk about a vote of confidence!
Likely, Nelson Agholor will likely feel the pinch more than anyone else, but the vibe around the team is expected to remain steady. I understand the current plan is for Nelly to host Johnson at his house while Johnson gets acclimated to his most recent team swap. Currently, Agholor has 11 receptions for 170 yards on 22 targets this season, and it’ll be interesting to see how he adapts.
Navigating Past Challenges
As for whether there’s any concern about Johnson’s history with the Pittsburgh Steelers and some reported instances of upheaval in the Steel City coming to Charm City (including a “heated locker room argument with FS Minkah Fitzpatrick after the safety took issue with Johnson’s treatment of the coaches on the sideline” and “seemingly walk(ing) away from the opportunity to recover” RB Jaylen Warren’s fumble in a game against the Bengals last season, per USA Today’s Steelers Wire), I’m told Johnson will have an opportunity to mold his own future in Baltimore. The feeling is that “people can grow up and mature and have their eyes opened” when in a new environment of hope and optimism. Still, I’m told it’ll be “up to him” to make this change what Johnson wants.
At the end of the day, the Carolina Panthers are paying most of Johnson’s remaining salary in the deal, as the Ravens reportedly will only have to pay Johnson about $625,000, per Jeff Zrebiec of TheAthletic.com.
Johnson will practice this week with the team, as he is expected to be in shape. While newly-traded wide receivers like Davante Adams (Raiders-Jets), and Deandre Hopkins (Titans-Chiefs) played the same week they were traded, the Ravens will still monitor how quickly Johnson acclimates into this new offense to determine the rate of his utilization in all usual due diligence. Thereafter, we’ll all be able to see Johnson’s impact on the Ravens after that.
Sign up to Bovada today
*Any tips, predictions, or strategies published are entirely the opinion of the author, and are not guaranteed to be correct or result in financial gain. The Author is not an employee of Bovada.
Please be aware that there are always financial risks involved in gambling and it is the responsibility of the individual to place bets with or without the information provided on this website. Bovada cannot be held responsible for any financial losses that may incur as a result of following any of the tips, predictions, or strategies provided on this website.