Ravens strengthen offense by adding Panther offensive weapon

The AFC arms race continued Tuesday with the Ravens trading for former Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson.

In seven games with Carolina, Johnson had 30 receptions, 357 yards and three touchdowns.

He is the fourth wide receiver traded this season and the third of the AFC contenders, seeing the Ravens as the two biggest obstacles to winning the conference, keeping pace with the Chiefs and Bills.

on October 23Kansas City traded for wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, a week later Bills acquired Amari Cooper.

According to ESPN AnalyticsJohnson gives the Ravens another strong route runner. His pass rating (77) ranks fifth-highest among wide receivers over the past two seasons (2023-24).

Pro Football Focus thanks him His seven contested catches were tied for the league’s 10th-most in 2024.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson, one of the top candidates for this year’s MVP award, has all the pieces to lead the Ravens back to the Super Bowl for the first time since February 2013.

Through eight games, the 2019 and 2023 MVP was 158-of-236 (66.9%) for 2,099 yards, 17 touchdowns and two interceptions while adding 501 yards and two touchdowns on 81 rushing attempts.

Per ESPN BetJackson (+360) has a chance to win the 2024 MVP award behind Bills quarterback Josh Allen (+325).

With Johnson joining Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, Baltimore (5-3) has an explosive group of wide receivers. Tight ends Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely and running back Derrick Henry round out one of the NFL’s best collections of skill position players.

Baltimore’s secondary is still an issue, ranking dead last in passing yards allowed (2,331). In Week 8, the unit allowed Brown’s backup quarterback Jameis Winston to throw for 334 yards, including the winning touchdown with 59 seconds left.

The Ravens may not be able to stop anyone, but by adding Johnson, they are better equipped to win high-scoring games.

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