Yes, it may have been possible that the Carolina Panthers could have gotten even less for wide receiver Diontae Johnson.
According to Sheena Quick of FOX Sports Radio, the Panthers had two other potential suitors for Johnson—who is now a member of the Baltimore Ravens.
Per league source, there were initially two teams in talks with the Panthers to trade for Diontae Johnson. Baltimore came in third – and last – with the best offer the Panthers could get for him.
— Sheena Quick (@Sheena_Marie3) October 30, 2024
The Ravens, of course, swooped in and pulled off a swap for Johnson on Tuesday. Their deal involved a late-round pick exchange for the 2025 NFL draft, with Carolina receiving a fifth-rounder and Baltimore a sixth-rounder.
In addition, Baltimore will only be on the hook for approximately $625,000 of the remaining salary on Johnson’s expiring contract. That leaves the Panthers having to foot around $3.2 million for the rest of the season.
Head coach Dave Canales was asked about the trade on Wednesday.
“Dan [Morgan], Brandt [Tilis] and I just talked about the different opportunities that came up and we just kind of collected all the information and made the best decision for all of us,” Canales stated.
When later asked about the underwhelming return for Johnson, Canales declined to provide any further details.
“I’m not gonna get into too much of the specifics,” he replied. “A lot of those conversations, we always wanna try to protect and keep in-house. But we kinda just collectively thought that was the best decision for us.”
