Former Carolina Panthers superstar Cam Newton isn’t happy about how Carolina handled the wide receiver Diontae Johnson trade to the Baltimore Ravens. On Tuesday, the Panthers dealt Johnson for a mere fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, even though they’ll pick up most of his remaining salary tab.
Speaking on the “4th&1” show, Newton expressed frustration over the front office’s decision and the grim direction the Panthers are headed.
Cam Newton Sees Bryce Young Struggling Because of Diontae Johnson Trade
According to Newton, Johnson’s departure leaves rookie quarterback Bryce Young without a go-to target, thus further complicating a season he already deems “a wash.” Never one to shy away from putting his blunt opinions, Newton slammed the Panthers’ current strategy.
“Diontae was good. He had enough time. He was in a diabolical situation. They’re not making good franchise moves,” said the former MVP.
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He wasn’t just upset about the trade but concerned about Young’s development. He believes that Young needs quality reps if the Panthers want to realize the young quarterback’s true potential.
The Panthers sit at a dismal 1-7, but Newton thinks there’s still time to assess Young. “He’s not a rookie anymore. We’re wastin’ time,” Newton stressed. He called for Young to play but with strong support.
“In Bryce Young’s defense, who is he gonna throw the ball to?” he added. Newton questioned Carolina’s decision to let go of Johnson and asked management what steps they would pursue to set up their sophomore QB for success.
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The former Alabama quarterback was benched in Week 3 but has returned as the Panthers’ starter. In his latest outing, Young completed 24 of 37 passes for 224 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions, but the game resulted in a 28-14 loss to the Denver Broncos.
MORE: Former Super Bowl Champion Warns John Harbaugh Following Johnson Trade
With Johnson out of the picture, Young’s path to improvement looks tougher than ever, as per Newton. His criticism leads us to believe that the franchise’s turmoil is their own doing for now. It’ll be interesting to see whether the Panthers trade in someone else to join their wide receiver room of Xavier Legette, David Moore, Jalen Coker, and Adam Thielen — who’s currently injured.