ESPN’s Seth Walder: “Ravens grade: A. Another contender got another wide receiver in trade — and this is my favorite of these deals so far. The Ravens paid next to nothing to acquire a good player to help them in their Super Bowl quest. In Johnson, the Ravens land a last-minute route runner who may create open windows for quarterback Lamar Jackson that the Ravens will likely draft in the back half of the fifth round and the Panthers in the top of the sixth , is worth the equivalent of a seventh-round pick in ESPN’s draft ratings (and that’s probably being generous). The Panthers also opted to pick up most of Johnson’s remaining salary for the year, according to The Athletic, making a deal bordering on the absurd.”

Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports: “Note: A. The fit couldn’t be more ideal, to be honest. Johnson is best suited to play other weapons, and his route running should complement Zay Flowers’ speed and Derrick Henry’s strength. it means less burden on teammates like Rashod Bateman.. This is a classic low-risk, high-reward swing, and the Ravens can reassess Johnson’s value in the offseason.

Nate Davis of USA Today: “Winners: Ravens and DeCosta. They add another weapon to what is arguably the league’s most dangerous and multi-dimensional offense.. One of the league’s top general managers, he learned quite well during a decades-long apprenticeship under predecessor and Hall of Famer . Ozzie Newsome DeCosta took Johnson for less than a song, making him the latest substantial acquisition in what has become a tradition over the years in Baltimore — players like LB Roquan Smith, CB Marcus Peters, OLB Yannick Ngakoue and LT Eugene Monroe among the significant types. who joined the Ravens midway through a season.”

Zrebiec: “If the Ravens (5-3) and Panthers (1-7) continue on their current trajectory, the gap between the fifth- and sixth-round picks could be much less than 20 spots midway through Day 3 of the 2025 NFL draft. So for such a low price and a modest salary that won’t significantly impact the team’s tight salary cap situation, the Ravens are getting a wide receiver who can make big plays and help a comeback. game that has been non-existent for most of the year.”

The Baltimore Sun’s Childs Walker: “It wasn’t the move we expected from a team that already leads the league in passing efficiency. The Ravens need players who can break deep balls more than they need another guy who can catch them. That said , Johnson has been a durable, productive receiver throughout his six-year career, and will give Lamar Jackson another target who can punish blitzes and make plays in the red zone from AFC rivals who could connect immediately as a holder.”

Jonas Shaffer of the Baltimore Banner: “If the first two months of the season hadn’t already confirmed it, the Ravens’ trade for Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson on Tuesday left no doubt: This is the most talented group of skill position players they’ve had ever quarterback Lamar Jackson. Johnson, who led the Panthers in every major receiving category (30 catches, 357 yards and three touchdowns), can’t fix a beleaguered Ravens defense. .”