NFL Rumors: Diontae Johnson Trade Expected by Insiders amid Panthers' Struggles

The expectation around the NFL is that Carolina Panthers Diontae Johnson will be on the move by the Nov. 5 deadline, Dan Graziano reported for ESPN.

According to Graziano, "many around the league expect the Panthers to trade him (and others) to collect more draft picks in a season going nowhere."

Johnson, who is playing on an expiring contract, leads the Panthers with 30 catches for 357 yards and three touchdowns through seven games.

The Panthers' record fell to 1-6 following a road loss to the Washington Commanders last Sunday.

Johnson, who played on Sunday despite being listed as questionable with ribs, hamstring and ankle injuries heading into the game, told reporters he was "frustrated, but I can't play every position on the field and make every play" after the 40-7 loss.

When asked about trade rumors, Johnson said, "Whatever happens, happens with that situation. It's a business."

The Panthers traded cornerback Donte Jackson and made a late-round pick swap to acquire Johnson in March from the Pittsburgh Steelers, but should they allow him to play out the season they risk him walking in free agency.

Carolina is still feeling the loss of the bevy of picks, including a 2025 second-rounder, sent to the Chicago Bears for the right to select now-benched starting quarterback Bryce Young at the top of the 2023 draft.

Given the uncertainty surrounding who will be playing under center next season, with Young benched and veteran Andy Dalton on an expiring contract, it seems likely general manager Dan Morgan will turn his focus to accruing draft picks rather than providing a top target for Dalton.

There are also multiple postseason-contending teams around the NFL in need of a late-season boost to their receiving depth, among them the 6-0 Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chiefs recently JuJu Smith-Schuster following season-ending injuries to Hollywood Brown and Rashee Rise, and head coach Andy Reid hinted earlier this week that the team could be considering a move for another wideout.

As Graziano noted, the Panthers could consider moving other players in addition to Johnson ahead of the deadline. The Athletic's Dianna Russini recently reported that other teams "are keeping an eye on" names including Young as well as wideouts Jonathan Mingo and Adam Thielen.