CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers are trading one of their best offensive players for a future draft pick. Wide receiver Diontae Johnson will be going to the Baltimore Ravens along with a sixth-round pick in exchange for Baltimore's fifth-round selection.
Johnson finished his brief tenure in Carolina with 30 catches for 357 yards and 3 touchdowns. Johnson appeared in seven games but missed last week's 28-14 loss to the Denver Broncos. He's in the final year of a two-year contract.
With the Panthers sitting at 1-7 overall, many people were wondering what pieces might be available at the deadline for Carolina. With Johnson entering the final year of his deal, it's no surprise that a contender like Baltimore would be interested in trading for him. The trade is essentially a pick swap as the Panthers look at expendable pieces in the rebuild.
Several veterans have been mentioned among NFL trade rumors ahead of the Nov. 5 deadline. Other names that have been floated include Adam Thielen, Miles Sanders and Jadeveon Clowney. It's also unclear what will happen with Bryce Young, who started last week's game in relief of Andy Dalton. If Carolina is indeed ready to move on from the former No. 1 pick, his rookie contract makes him an appealing option for a team that thinks it can kickstart his career.
Head coach Dave Canales hasn't committed to starting Young after Sunday's loss. The Panthers host the New Orleans Saints on Sunday in a Week 1 rematch. The Saints got the best of Carolina in the opening game, crushing the Panthers 47-10.