Advertisement

4 teams that could have trade interest in Panthers WR Diontae Johnson

anthony rizzuti
·2 min read
Sep 8, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (5) against the New Orleans Saints during the pregame at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Sep 8, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (5) against the New Orleans Saints during the pregame at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

With the Carolina Panthers at 1-6 and the league's trade deadline now just two weeks away, wide receiver Diontae Johnson and his expiring contract may not be long for Charlotte.

If so, here are four teams who could be in the market for the former Pro Bowler:

Kansas City Chiefs

Oct 20, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) reacts after the Chiefs scored a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Oct 20, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) reacts after the Chiefs scored a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Every wideout who could potentially be on the move will be linked to the Chiefs, and Johnson is no different.

The defending Super Bowl champions, even at 6-0, are pretty weak at the position. They've already lost both Marquise "Hollywood" Brown and Rashee Rice for the rest of the regular season, are currently dealing with a hamstring injury to JuJu Smith-Schuster and have been left hanging on the likes of rookie Xavier Worthy, Justin Watson and Mecole Hardman.

San Francisco 49ers

Oct 20, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) walks on the field before the start of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Oct 20, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) walks on the field before the start of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

San Francisco might've been a fine fit for Johnson this offseason had the 49ers never reached a long-term agreement with Brandon Aiyuk. But with Aiyuk now gone for the rest of the season due to a ACL and MCL tears, Johnson could really be in the picture for the defending NFC champs this time.

Johnson's route-running ability, similar to Aiyuk's, should translate quite well into head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense. Plus, his team-friendly contract makes him an easy burn for this stacked Niners roster.

Dallas Cowboys

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 13: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on while warming up before a game against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 13: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on while warming up before a game against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

Speaking of footwork, here's a little something for Troy Aikman.

If the Cowboys are in need of better route running, there aren't many better at it than Johnson. Dallas' passing game hasn't exactly clicked yet, and they have to help out quarterback Dak Prescott and wideout CeeDee Lamb by finding another capable playmaker on offense.

Los Angeles Chargers

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 21: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers watches from the sidelines during the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 21, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Chargers 17-15. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 21: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers watches from the sidelines during the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 21, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Chargers 17-15. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

On Monday night, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert threw for 349 yards with a passer rating of 97.1 . . . and zero touchdowns. This man needs some help!

As of now, Los Angeles' top outside targets are Quentin Johnston and Joshua Palmer, neither of whom have amassed more than 51 receiving yards in a single game. And unfortunately for Herbert, he can't count on DJ Chark as a reliable option when he returns from his hip injury.

More Panthers coverage

Oct 13, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (5) celebrates by throwing the ball into the crowd after scoring a thouchdown in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Oct 13, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (5) celebrates by throwing the ball into the crowd after scoring a thouchdown in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Related

NFL insider: Teams on 'high alert' for Panthers WR Diontae Johnson

Panthers WR Diontae Johnson talks about recent trade speculation

Panthers HC Dave Canales is asked about trade speculation on Diontae Johnson

This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 4 teams that could have trade interest in Panthers WR Diontae Johnson