Diontae Johnson Waived by Ravens; Had 1 Catch for 6 Yards After Trade Deadline

The Baltimore Ravens have waived wide receiver Diontae Johnson—who was acquired from the Carolina Panthers before the trade deadline, saw limited playing time, caught one pass for six yards over four games, refused to enter his team's home matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles and then got suspended for last Sunday's contest against the New York Giants.

The Ravens acquired Johnson and a sixth-round draft pick from the Panthers on Oct. 29 for a fifth-round pick. The Panthers also agreed to absorb part of Johnson's contract.

Johnson caught 30 passes for 357 yards and three touchdowns in seven games with Carolina. At the time, the Ravens' trade seemed like a steal given that he was acquired for a Day 3 pick swap, more or less. In theory, the Ravens could have used him as their third wide receiver alongside Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman.

Per Pro Football Reference, Johnson only saw 39 snaps over four games and never more than 17. That effort took place in a 41-10 win over the Denver Broncos on Nov. 3, and Johnson ended without a target.

Four weeks later, Johnson refused to enter his team's 24-19 home loss against the Eagles, a game where Bateman suffered a knee injury and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest.

That didn't sit well with the Ravens, who suspended Johnson for last Sunday's 35-14 win over the Giants. Now he's off the team entirely, leaving Baltimore even more shorthanded at receiver.

Nelson Agholor is out with a concussion. Bateman is questionable with a foot injury and notably didn't practice Thursday.

Flowers figures to remain the WR1. Tylan Wallace and Devontez Walker are the next men up at the position, with Anthony Miller now on the active roster as well after his practice squad call-up.

The 9-5 Ravens have a huge game on Saturday at home against the 10-4 Pittsburgh Steelers at 4:30 p.m. ET.

A win clinches a playoff berth and ties them with Pittsburgh in the AFC North race. A Ravens loss clinches the division for Pittsburgh, although the Ravens would still be heavily favored to make the postseason.