The Baltimore Ravens acquired Diontae Johnson from the Carolina Panthers earlier this season. The Ravens gave up a 2025 fifth-round pick in exchange for the wide receiver and got a sixth-round pick in return.
Johnson was predicted to have a significant role in Baltimore, but so far, that has not been the case. He isn’t happy with his playing time, and the team has suspended him for a game.
Fans React to Diontae Johnson’s Suspension
The Ravens suspended Johnson because the player refused to enter the game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Since arriving in Baltimore, the 28-year-old wide receiver has played only 16% of the team’s total snaps on offense, which is not ideal for a receiver of his caliber.
Johnson did not feature for a single snap against the Eagles, and the fans called him out for his behavior. Here’s how they reacted:
They should just cut him, don’t wanna play. Back to the couch.
— Premade Sandwiches (@Dethsauce) December 4, 2024
“Amazed it’s a suspension, not a straight-up cut to waivers,” said one fan.
Another fan added, “Should have just resigned OBJ. This was a major blunder by the Ravens.”
I never understood when players do that and its the same story everytime
Player- “I don’t like my limited role and want to play more, have more affect on the game”
Head coach- “okay go in the game”
Player “i dont wanna”
Antonio Brown, Jadeveon Clowney, OBJ, and now him
— Mac🦬 (@tha_buffalo) December 4, 2024
“That’s pretty bad. Healthy and not willing to play,” said another fan.
One fan wrote, “He wishes he was still in Charlotte with Bryce Young right now. Diva receiver. ”
Steelers usually know when to rid themselves of people who aren’t worth the trouble. https://t.co/poLZnNXb0I
— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) December 4, 2024
The Ravens lost 24-19 to the Eagles and are 8-5 heading into their bye week. After the game, John Harbaugh was asked about Johnson’s future, and he didn’t rule out the possibility of the team parting ways with him.
“At this time, I’m going to have to wait,” said the Ravens head coach per the Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec. “There are some moving parts there that we’re going to have to figure out and explore and see where we’re at. It’s the best I can do in fairness to everybody.”
Due to his suspension, Johnson will not feature in the Ravens’ Week 15 game against the New York Giants. This period will be enough time for the Toledo product to better grasp the playbook. However, if things do not improve, the team could cut ties with him.
Johnson Will Be a Free Agent in 2025
The Steelers traded Johnson to the Panthers before the start of the season as the wide receiver was looking for a better opportunity in the last year of his contract. He had 30 catches for 357 yards and three touchdowns in seven games for the Panthers and was playing well before the Ravens traded for him.
He was expected to play behind Zay Flowers in Baltimore and help Lamar Jackson secure another MVP and the team’s first Super Bowl since 2013. Unfortunately, in four games for the team, Johnson has just one catch for six yards.
His time in Baltimore will greatly affect the amount of money he gets in free agency, and unless things improve, Johnson could lose millions of dollars. The wide receiver’s frustration is valid, but the only thing he can do right now is to be a good teammate and stay ready for his opportunity.
Johnson is a talented player, and if he continues to work, he will likely get a chance to redeem himself. There is still a lot of time left for him to improve his stock for free agency, and hopefully, both Johnson and the Ravens will find a way to get the best outcome.