Nearly two months after acquiring wide receiver Diontae Johnson, the Baltimore Ravens have waived the six-year veteran, the team announced Friday.
Baltimore’s decision to move on from Johnson, who was traded from the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 29, follows a tumultuous month between both parties.
The Ravens mutually agreed with Johnson on Monday to excuse him from Week 16 activities ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers, with coach John Harbaugh vaguely citing “front office type reasons” when asked why he hadn’t been released. Curiously, the move came on the heels of Johnson serving a one-game suspension the week prior for “conduct detrimental to the team” after refusing to take the field in Week 13.
With Johnson now set to hit waivers, it remains unclear what led to the wideout’s tensions with his new team after it appeared he would be in line for a notable role as a key trade deadline acquisition for the Ravens.
In his five appearances (Week 14 bye) with Baltimore, Johnson recorded one catch on five targets for six yards. Johnson’s role in Carolina, however, saw the ex-Steeler produce more fruitful numbers to the tune of 30 receptions, 357 yards and three touchdowns in seven games — bringing some hope to the franchise that may decide to claim him off waivers or in free agency.
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(Photo: G Fiume / Getty Images)
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