NFL Insider: Ravens' Diontae Johnson Refusing to Play vs. Eagles Was 'Major Letdown'

The Baltimore Ravens were reportedly disappointed by wide receiver Diontae Johnson's actions during the team's Week 13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

This week, the Ravens announced that Johnson would be suspended for the Dec. 15 game against the New York Giants after refusing to enter the game against Philadelphia.

A Ravens source told ESPN that Johnson's decision was a "major letdown," although it was noted that his demeanor was "about as good as could be expected" entering this week's bye.

The 28-year-old Johnson was originally a third-round draft pick out of Toledo by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019, and he put up solid numbers during his five years with the franchise, recording 391 receptions for 4,363 yards and 25 touchdowns, earning one Pro Bowl selection along the way.

Before the 2024 season, the Steelers traded Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, and he produced to the tune of 30 catches for 357 yards and three scores in seven games for the Panthers.

With Carolina not contending for a playoff spot and Johnson set to hit free agency during the offseason, the Panthers opted to trade him and a 2025 sixth-round pick to the Ravens for a 2025 fifth-round pick.

The trade was widely viewed as a massive steal for the Ravens, but Johnson has essentially made no impact during his time in Baltimore.

In four games, Johnson has just one catch for six yards, and he has played a grand total of just 39 offensive snaps for the Ravens.

It raised some eyebrows when Johnson did not play against the Eagles since wide receiver Rashod Bateman left the game with a knee injury.

If Bateman is forced to miss additional time coming out of the bye week, the Ravens' wide receiver depth chart will be down to Zay Flowers, Nelson Agholor, Tylan Wallace and rookie fourth-round pick Devontez Walker.

No public commitments have been made by the Ravens in terms of keeping Johnson on the roster once his suspension ends, and ESPN noted that Baltimore showed interest in veteran wide receiver Josh Reynolds on waivers this week.

Reynolds was awarded to the Jacksonville Jaguars, but the Ravens' interest suggest they are looking at other options.

On Dec. 21, the Ravens have a huge matchup with the Steelers, who are 1.5 games ahead of them for the AFC North lead.

As noted by ESPN, cutting Johnson would potentially allow the Steelers to bring him back if they are so inclined, and they could probe him for information regarding Baltimore's offense.

Ultimately, the Ravens must decide if keeping Johnson could have an adverse effect on team chemistry, and they must also be sure that he is committed to playing and helping them win down the stretch.

If Johnson and the Ravens can get on the same page, he still has a chance to be a massive difference-maker heading into the playoffs.