Diontae Johnson it’s really moving. The veteran is dealt from the Panthers to the Ravens, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.

adds Schefter the teams will trade fifth- and sixth-round picks as part of the deal, one that will allow Johnson to return to the AFC North. Both selections are in this year’s draft, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport clarifies. Regarding the financial side of the transaction, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports Carolina keeps a portion of Johnson’s remaining salary.

As a result, the Ravens will only owe him about $625,000 for the rest of the season. Johnson is the latest rental receiver to be dealt, and it’s little surprise that he’ll switch teams for a second time in 2024. The 28-year-old is expected to be dealt, with several suitors believed to be in play (although the details of the transaction indicate the existence of a fairly warm market). As Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz notesJohnson became “disheartened” by his situation; he will now depart a 1-7 franchise for one with a 5-3 record and aspirations of another playoff run.

Further highlighting the compensation situation, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports adds that the teams were initially discussing a Day 2 pick in a potential Johnson trade ( video bundle). That price dropped considerably as suitors became increasingly aware that a breakup with Carolina — stemming from what Jones calls “communication issues” — was imminent. The Panthers moved quickly, accepting a disappointing offer.

The receiver has been floated as a potential target for Baltimore in 2024 (and many more years, of course), but the most recent first Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman they had a productive start to the season. Contributions from closed ends Mark Andrews, Isaiah Probably and Charlie Kolar they made Baltimore boast the No. 1 passing attack. 1 of the league. Free agent signing Derrick Henry was as advertised in the backfield, forming a strong tandem with Lamar Jackson in terms of ground production (200 yards per game, which leads the league).

For that reason, it is a surprise to the general manager of Baltimore Eric DeCosta targeted offense in relation to a mid-season purchase. Scoring was generally not a problem for the Ravens, but their defense was a sore point more than once. The team ranks 26th in points allowed per game (26.1), thanks in large part to the NFL’s worst pass defense. Bringing help along the edge or in the secondary thus represented a logical course of action, but unless something is done going forward, it will rely on Baltimore’s current options to improve.

As GM since 2019, DeCosta hasn’t been shy on the trade front during his tenure. He previously added Marcus Peters, Yannick Ngakoue and Roquan Smith via trade in the middle of the 2019, ’20 and ’22 seasons. Johnson becomes the latest name on that list and will aim to make a notable contribution on offense while increasing his free agent stock in the process.

The former third-round pick had a productive five-year stint in Pittsburgh and completed a two-year extension in 2022. However, before the final year of that deal, he asked to be granted and the Steelers accepted . l. Carolina also took part in a trade of picks in that deal, sending the cornerback Donte Jackson back the same. The team’s investment did not prove to be particularly valuable given their struggles in attack and the decision to part ways after just eight weeks.

Johnson rushed for at least 78 yards three times during his tenure in Carolina, with his best performances coming when Andy Dalton he was at quarterback. Bryce YoungHis development — on the court or otherwise — remains a key goal for Carolina in the second half of the campaign. That process could take place after other veterans are shipped out, but either way, Johnson’s performance on his new team will be a key story to follow.