Carolina sent Diontae Johnson and a 2025 sixth-round pick to…
Carolina sent Diontae Johnson and a 2025 sixth-round pick to Baltimore for a 2025 fifth-round pick, effectively moving up a round while exiting a short-lived receiver relationship. Johnson caught only one pass for six yards as a Raven, was suspended after refusing to enter a game and was waived in December. The Panthers therefore gained the better draft position while Baltimore received almost no usable return.
Baltimore Ravens Received
- pick Diontae Johnson and 2025 6th round pick (183rd overall subsequently traded, Marcus Harris)
Carolina Panthers Received
- pick 2025 5th round pick (163rd overall, Mitchell Evans)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Carolina traded Diontae Johnson and a 2025 sixth-round pick to Baltimore on October 29, 2024, in exchange for the Ravens' 2025 fifth-round pick. The structure was essentially a draft-position upgrade for the Panthers attached to a veteran receiver Baltimore hoped could add route-running depth for a postseason push. Because the Ravens were moving down only one round, the original risk looked manageable.
How the Value Developed
The football return collapsed quickly for Baltimore. Johnson played only 39 offensive snaps in four games and caught one pass for six yards. He was later suspended for conduct detrimental to the team after refusing to enter the Philadelphia game, then was waived on December 20. Carolina, meanwhile, kept the fifth-round selection, which became No. 163. The Panthers had already moved on from Johnson and still improved their draft position.
Why Carolina Gets the Edge
This was not simply a trade where a rental failed to become a star. Baltimore barely received usable game production before the relationship ended. The Ravens did keep the sixth-round selection they received in the package, which limits the loss, but the club voluntarily moved down in the draft for a receiver who did not help the offense in a meaningful way. Carolina cleared the roster spot and gained the stronger pick without sacrificing subsequent on-field value.
Final Verdict
Carolina earns a B+ and the clear win. Baltimore receives a D+ because the original cost was not enormous, yet the acquired player produced almost nothing before being waived. The Panthers' clean pick upgrade is the only durable positive outcome that remained from the transaction.