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The Baltimore Ravens have officially parted ways with wide receiver Diontae Johnson, ending a brief and tumultuous stint with the team. Johnson's departure follows a series of controversial events, culminating in his refusal to participate in the team’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles this past week. Johnson appeared frustrated after being denied playing time during a contract year, despite the team dealing with significant injuries at the wide receiver position.
The Refusal to Play and Its Fallout
Johnson’s refusal to enter the Eagles game highlighted his growing frustration with his role on the team. While wide receivers Nelson Agholor and Tylan Wallace took over 40 snaps each during the game, Johnson was completely left out. This led the Ravens to make the decision to move on from Johnson, who had provided little impact on the field.
Since joining the Ravens via a trade from the Carolina Panthers, Johnson’s usage had been minimal. He was traded in March for Donte Jackson, a cornerback who has already contributed significantly to the Steelers’ defense. Meanwhile, Johnson struggled to find a consistent role in Baltimore and ultimately didn’t see much playing time.
A Short and Disappointing Stint in Baltimore
Johnson's time in Baltimore can be summed up as a massive disappointment. In four games with the Ravens, he played a mere 39 offensive snaps and caught just one pass for six yards. The wide receiver’s off-field behavior, including his refusal to play, overshadowed any potential on-field contributions he might have made. Johnson was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team after his Week 13 refusal to enter the game, and the Ravens have now opted to part ways with him entirely.
Head Coach John Harbaugh gave a brief comment on the situation earlier this week, indicating that his focus was on preparing for the upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and that Johnson was already irrelevant to the team’s plans. It was clear that Johnson’s time in Baltimore was already over before the official announcement was made.
Moving On Without Diontae Johnson
Now that Johnson is on waivers, any team interested in taking a chance on him may do so. Despite his solid career numbers—422 receptions, 4,726 yards, and 28 touchdowns—Johnson’s production never followed him to Baltimore. The Ravens’ brief gamble on him has clearly failed, with the team gaining nothing from the trade except drama and a lone six-yard catch.
When the Ravens acquired Johnson, they gave up a fifth-round pick, a sixth-round pick, and some salary relief in the hopes of bolstering their receiving corps for a playoff push. However, the trade has backfired, with Johnson failing to contribute in a meaningful way.
The Ravens Are Moving Forward
Despite the setback caused by Johnson’s unproductive tenure, the Ravens are moving forward. The emergence of Devontez Walker, who made an instant impact with a touchdown on his first NFL catch against the New York Giants, has provided a spark. The team has also promoted Anthony Miller from the practice squad to provide additional depth, especially with Rashod Bateman’s foot injury and Nelson Agholor’s concussion.
For Ravens fans, the end of the Diontae Johnson saga marks a sense of relief. The team took a risk, but it quickly realized that Johnson was not the right fit. Now, with an important stretch of games ahead, the Ravens are focused on the future, without the distractions Johnson brought.
Looking Ahead to Pittsburgh
As the Ravens prepare for their biggest game of the season against the Pittsburgh Steelers—one that could have major implications for the AFC North title—the team has made it clear: they don't have time for distractions. Diontae Johnson’s refusal to contribute when it mattered most has cost him his place on the roster, and Baltimore is now focused solely on the task at hand.
