Panthers' Dave Canales Talks Diontae Johnson Trade Rumors: 'Don't See That Happening'

Wide receiver trade rumors have been on the docket in the NFL this week, with Davante Adams seeking a departure from the Las Vegas Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs thin at the position after the injury to Rashee Rice.

But don't expect the Carolina Panthers to dangle Diontae Johnson in trade talks.

"My job is to do the best thing, to put the best 11 guys out there," head coach Dave Canales told reporters on Wednesday. "We love the guys that are developing in the progression that we have, so I don't see [a Johnson trade] happening."

Johnson, like many of his teammates, struggled in the first two games of the season, registering just five catches for 34 yards. But in the past two games with Andy Dalton under center rather than Bryce Young, Johnson has exploded for 15 catches, 205 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

He went from being targeted 12 times in the first two games to 27 times in the past two contests. Suffice to say, the Dalton-Johnson connection is thriving.

"We have a starting point, and it starts with Diontae Johnson and trying to figure out ways to formation him, to give him good looks that way," Canales told reporters.

The Panthers traded cornerback Donte Jackson and a sixth-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason for Johnson and a seventh-rounder in an effort to surround Young with more weapons. It's hard to imagine them trading him so quickly, though the team's 1-3 start and the fact that Johnson will be an unrestricted free agent following the season could factor into their ultimate decision.

ESPN's David Newton reported, however, that Johnson "ideally would like to get an extension with the Panthers."

Either way, Johnson isn't currently sweating the speculation.

"I can't control some of the stuff they put out there," he told reporters Wednesday. "I can only come in and continue to be the player that I've been here. I'm not really worried about it. Whatever happens, happens. But I'm locked in with the Panthers now."