Diontae Johnson’s Turbulent Time with the Ravens Ends in Release

OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Diontae Johnson’s brief and contentious tenure with the Baltimore Ravens officially ended on Friday when the team released the wide receiver. Acquired from the Carolina Panthers in late October, Johnson’s seven weeks with the Ravens were marked by minimal on-field contributions and mounting off-field issues.

Johnson, a former standout with the Pittsburgh Steelers, was brought to Baltimore in a midseason trade aimed at addressing the team’s lack of depth at wide receiver. The Ravens sent a fifth-round draft pick to Carolina in exchange for Johnson and a sixth-round pick. However, Johnson’s time in Baltimore yielded little success, with the receiver logging just one catch for six yards across four games.

Conflict and Suspension

Tensions between Johnson and the Ravens reached a breaking point during the December 1 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Although he suited up for the matchup, Johnson ultimately refused to take the field, a decision that left Baltimore shorthanded. The refusal prompted the team to suspend him for one game, with general manager Eric DeCosta later describing the disciplinary action as a “difficult decision.”

Following the suspension, Johnson was excused from all team activities. Despite initial hopes that he could play a key role in Baltimore’s passing attack, both Johnson and the Ravens agreed it was best to part ways.

A Career of Highs and Lows

The release of Johnson brings an abrupt halt to what had been an accomplished NFL career. A third-round draft pick by the Steelers in 2019, Johnson amassed 422 receptions, 4,726 receiving yards, and 28 touchdowns during his time with Pittsburgh, Carolina, and Baltimore. His move to the Ravens was intended to rejuvenate his career, but it instead became one of the most puzzling chapters in team history.

While Johnson had been Carolina’s leading receiver earlier this season, his performance and attitude in Baltimore raised questions. His inability to find chemistry within the Ravens’ offense and his refusal to play in critical moments ultimately sealed his fate.

Baltimore’s Struggles Without Johnson

Johnson’s departure comes at a difficult time for the Ravens, who are grappling with injuries in their wide receiver corps. Nelson Agholor has been ruled out with a concussion, while Rashod Bateman remains questionable due to a foot injury. Head coach John Harbaugh provided no updates on Bateman’s status, saying, “We’ll address everything in the coming hours and days, but we’ll be ready to go on [Saturday].”

With Johnson gone and other receivers sidelined, Baltimore’s passing attack now heavily relies on rookie standout Zay Flowers, who leads the team with 66 catches for 916 yards this season. Tylan Wallace and rookie Devontez Walker are also expected to step up.

A Legacy Tarnished

For Johnson, this latest setback marks a significant low point in a career that once seemed destined for greater heights. His time in Baltimore will be remembered not for his talent but for his inability to adapt and contribute meaningfully.

As Johnson awaits a potential new opportunity with another NFL team—he is eligible to be claimed off waivers starting Monday afternoon—the questions surrounding his future remain. Will he find redemption, or will this mark the beginning of the end of his professional football career?

For now, Baltimore moves on, leaving Johnson’s brief and turbulent stint as a cautionary tale of unmet expectations and unresolved conflicts.