Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry Overwhelm NFL Fans as Ravens Blow Out Bo Nix, Broncos
Nov 3, 2024
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 03: Lamar Jackson #8 hands the ball off to Derrick Henry #22 of the Baltimore Ravens in the first quarter of a game against the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The Baltimore Ravens were stunned by the Cleveland Browns last week. They took out their frustrations on the Denver Broncos.
Led by huge performances from quarterback Lamar Jackson, running back Derrick Henry and wideout Zay Flowers, the Ravens beat the Broncos 41-10 on Sunday.
Jackson was fantastic, finishing 16-of-19 through the air for 280 yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions and just one sack taken.
Henry posted his fifth game of the season exceeding 100 rushing yards, going for 106 yards on the ground and two scores, including the 100th of his career.
Derrick Henry is now tied for the 3rd-most games with 100 yards rushing and two rushing TDs in NFL history, per @ESPNStatsInfo. This was his 21st such game.
The only players who have had more are LaDainian Tomlinson (25) and Jim Brown (25).
And Flowers had his best game of the season, pulling in five passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns on six targets. It was the first game of his career with multiple touchdown catches and his fourth game this season with over 100 yards receiving.
After the game, social media was singing the praises of Baltimore's star trio:
Derrick Henry deserves serious MVP consideration. We've got to stop just defaulting to the QB position if there is a player at another position that is having this type of impact on his own team's success. Henry is a living monster.
The win moved the Ravens to 6-3 on the season and kept them hot on the heels of the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) in the AFC North. Denver fell to 5-4.
The offensive outburst came against a Broncos defense that was just giving up just 15 points and 282.6 yards per game coming into the contest, both marks third in the NFL. But Baltimore's offense has become an absolute buzzsaw behind the dual-threat ability of Jackson, the bruising runs of Henry and the burgeoning stardom of Flowers.
Soon enough, they'll also have Diontae Johnson in the mix. NFL defenses beware.
Diontae Johnson Snaps Revealed for Ravens Debut; Panthers Trade Floored NFL Insiders
Nov 2, 2024
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 13: Diontae Johnson #5 of the Carolina Panthers looks on during the second quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images)
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson will make his debut for the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday against the Denver Broncos following his trade from the Carolina Panthers earlier this week. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh revealed how many snaps Johnson is expected to play in his first game with the team:
Harbaugh telling me he expects Diontae Johnson to play about 10-15 snaps as he’s still learning everything. He adds not only another weapon that can stretch the field but also adds depth in case of injury as season goes on #Ravens
NFL sources were reportedly "floored" by the Panthers' minimal return after the team traded Johnson to the Ravens, per CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones.
"Sources across the NFL were floored by the lack of compensation Carolina received for wide receiver Diontae Johnson," Jones wrote. "To recap: The Panthers sent Johnson, their leading receiver at 28 years old, to the Ravens for a fifth- and sixth-round pick swap while absorbing all but the prorated league minimum of his salary."
Johnson caught 30 passes for 357 yards and three touchdowns in seven starts. He now projects as one of the Ravens' top three wideouts for a 5-3 Baltimore team in playoff contention.
The bottom line is this: It's abundantly clear that the Panthers wanted to part with Johnson. That seems to have taken precedence over actually getting a good return on a talented player.
"When the Panthers traded for Johnson during the offseason, they knew full well about his reputation for being a locker-room diva who wasn't afraid to throw his quarterbacks under the bus. But they hoped he'd be on his best behavior while playing for a new contract.
"And while some in the organization didn't have an issue with Johnson, he didn't hide his displeasure during Bryce Young's slow start and had stopped practicing the past couple of weeks due to various injuries. When Johnson ran a bad route at Washington in Week 7 that resulted in an Andy Dalton interception, Dalton slammed his helmet and yelled when he got to the sideline.
"It feels now like that was the beginning of the end for Johnson in Carolina, which agreed to pay down Johnson's salary down to the minimum and tossed a Baltimore a pick in order to be done with Johnson."
That's not ideal for the Panthers, a one-win team that's lightyears away from competing for the playoffs. They need as many talents and assets as possible, and it's very possible the answer for its franchise quarterback isn't on the roster given that the team benched second-year signal-caller Bryce Young two weeks into the season.
But it's also clear that the Panthers may have made a bad move, especially when the team had time to be more patient before Tuesday's deadline, as Jones noted:
"Multiple sources questioned why the Panthers did not hold on to Johnson for another week. Even if he were inactive for Sunday's game against the Saints, perhaps a better market could emerge for Carolina to deal him. At worst -- and if the relationship had deteriorated beyond repair -- the Panthers could have cut Johnson after the trade deadline to subject him to waivers. Then any team -- and maybe not the Super Bowl-contending Ravens -- could have scooped him up while paying out the remainder of his salary. Carolina could have kept its money, stayed near the top of the sixth round and made a statement to the present and future locker room about how business will be conducted."
The Panthers can't take back that move now, though, and the 1-7 team now resides at the bottom of the NFL standings, hoping for brighter days in the future. In the meantime, Carolina looks to stop the losing streak Sunday when it hosts the 2-6 New Orleans Saints.
Lamar Jackson, DK Metcalf, NFL Injury Statuses and Fantasy Impact for Week 9
Nov 1, 2024
TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 21: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on October 21, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
Despite Lamar Jackson's recent absence in practice, Baltimore Ravens fans and fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief in regards to his status against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
Jackson didn't participate in practice on Wednesday or Thursday and was listed on the Ravens' injury report with a back/knee issue. The star quarterback revealed on Friday that he'll play against Denver and his availability "wasn't in doubt," per ESPN's Jamison Hensley.
Meanwhile, managers should keep DK Metcalf on the bench. Metcalf is set to miss his second consecutive game due to a sprained MCL after he was ruled out on the Seattle Seahawks' latest injury report.
Here's a look at the significant injury news that could affect fantasy football matchups heading into Week 9's action.
Lamar Jackson, QB, BAL: Will start (back/knee), per Hensley.
Jordan Love, QB, GB: Questionable (groin), per 97.3 The Game.
Derek Carr, QB, NO: Will start (oblique), per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Travis Etienne Jr., RB, JAX: Game-time decision (hamstring), per Kainani Stevens of Jaguars.com.
Tony Pollard, RB, TEN: Questionable (foot), per NFL insider Paul Kuharsky.
Tyjae Spears, RB, TEN: Out (hamstring), per Kuharsky.
Zack Moss, RB, CIN: Doubtful (neck), per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, JAX: Game-time decision (chest), per Stevens.
DK Metcalf, WR, SEA: Out (knee), per NFL insider Brian Nemhauser.
Amari Cooper, WR, BUF: Questionable (wrist), per Pelissero.
Curtis Samuel, WR, BUF: Questionable (pec), per Pelissero.
Puka Nacua, WR, LAR: Questionable (knee), per Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic.
Tee Higgins, WR, CIN: Doubtful (quad), per Pelissero.
Adam Thielen, WR, CAR: Questionable (hamstring), per ESPN's David Newton.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, KC: Did not participate in practice on Friday (hamstring), per Matt Derrick of ChiefsDigest.com.
Dallas Goedert, TE, PHI: Out (hamstring), per Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
T.J. Hockenson, TE, MIN: Expected to play (knee), per NFL.
While his lack of participation in practice caused some initial concerns, it seems as though the Ravens were just being cautious with Jackson's workload. Baltimore will have a quick turnaround after playing Denver, hosting the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh told reporters that Jackson's absence was a "rest day," per the team's official website.
"We have a game, a quick game, and another big game coming up, so that was warranted today," Harbaugh said.
Jackson has remained one of the top quarterbacks in fantasy football during the 2024 season, suiting up in all eight of Baltimore's games. He's recorded 2,099 yards through the air to go along with 17 passing touchdowns and just two interceptions, adding another 501 yards on the ground.
DK Metcalf Out With Knee Injury
Metcalf appeared to be headed towards his second consecutive Pro Bowl appearance prior to suffering the injury against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7. He hauled in 35 receptions for 568 yards and two touchdowns in his first seven appearances.
His average of 81.1 receiving yards per game represented the second-highest mark of his career.
With Metcalf and tight end Noah Fant ruled out, managers looking for a replacement could target several options on the Seahawks. Jaxon Smith-Njigba should see an increased role, while Tyler Lockett could be a waiver option if he isn't rostered.
Lockett is available in 38 percent of Yahoo fantasy leagues, per FantasyPros.
For managers targeting an external option, Bills wideout Keon Coleman could be a choice. The rookie receiver has looked impressive as of late, catching nine passes for 195 yards and a touchdown over the past two weeks.
As for Metcalf, his next opportunity to return will be after the bye when the Seahawks face off against the San Francisco 49ers on Nov. 17.
NFL Execs Predict Lamar Jackson, Ravens vs. Jared Goff, Lions in Super Bowl 59
Nov 1, 2024
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 27: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field on October 27, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
NFL executives are predicting that the Baltimore Ravens and Detroit Lions will meet in this year's Super Bowl.
That's per a poll conducted by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, who spoke with "a number of NFL executives, attempting to gauge where insiders believe the division races are headed, as well as the two teams that will still be playing football in February."
The 5-3 Ravens are one of the league's most perplexing teams. At their best, they can lay claim to being the best squad in football. They looked great during a recent five-game winning streak, averaging 35.0 PPG. That included a 35-10 win over the 6-2 Buffalo Bills and a 30-23 victory against the 6-2 Washington Commanders.
But the Ravens also have a pair of losses against 2-6 teams in the Las Vegas Raiders (26-23) and the Cleveland Browns (29-24). Their defense has been leaky at times, and the Ravens have allowed 26.1 PPG (No. 26 in the NFL).
Anything seems possible thanks to the combination of two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and league-leading rusher Derrick Henry, though. That combination has been phenomenal and nearly impossible for opposing defenses to figure out.
The 6-1 Lions lead the NFC North thanks largely to their league-leading 33.4 points per game. Lions quarterback Jared Goff, an MVP candidates, paces the NFL with a 74.1 percent completion rate and 9.0 yards per pass attempt. And the running back duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs has combined for 1,298 total yards and 14 touchdowns.
The defense has also come through, currently standing eighth in fewest points per game allowed. It did take a massive hit after losing defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (7.5 sacks in five games) to a broken tibia and fibula. But the unit still features big playmakers, including defensive backs Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch and their nine interceptions.
Their biggest issue is their own division, which only features winning teams. That group includes a 6-2 Green Bay Packers squad that hosts Detroit on Sunday. The 5-2 Minnesota Vikings and 4-3 Chicago Bears aren't out of the division race yet, either.
Still, the Lions have this "team of destiny" feel right now. They nearly made the Super Bowl for the first time ever last year before falling just short to the San Francisco 49ers. The 2024 season may finally be the year where the team breaks through.
Lamar Jackson Says He'll Play for Ravens vs. Broncos After Knee, Back Injuries
Nov 1, 2024
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 27: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field on October 27, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson intends to be on the field for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos.
The reigning NFL MVP told reporters on Friday he will play and his absence from practices this week was to give his body a rest.
Lamar Jackson said he will play Sunday against the Broncos.
Jackson missed back-to-back practices on Wednesday and Thursday with back and knee concerns leading into his team's home game against the Broncos on Sunday.
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (back/knee) is not practicing for a second straight day. Ravens HC John Harbaugh described yesterday as a “rest” day for Jackson, but he’s not out there again today. With two games in five days, Jackson’s status obviously becoming a storyline.
The 27-year-old Jackson has enjoyed a fantastic 2024 season, completing 66.9 percent of his passes for 17 touchdowns (two interceptions) and 2,099 yards. His 9.95 adjusted yards per attempt rank first in the NFL, as does his 115.4 quarterback rating.
The two-time NFL MVP is a candidate to win his third trophy thanks to his tremendous season, and the Ravens have fared well, going 5-3 in his starts.
Understandably, the Ravens haven't performed well in the Jackson era when the 2016 Heisman Trophy winner sits, going 4-9 overall, per Statmuse. Baltimore has also averaged just 16.6 points per game in those 13 matchups.
Long-time (and well-traveled) NFL veteran Josh Johnson would be the next man up if Jackson had to miss time. The 38-year-old has made 24 different stops over four different leagues from 2008 to 2024. He's been the Ravens' backup quarterback since 2023 but has been with Baltimore on three separate occasions (2016, 2021, 2023-2024).
For his NFL career, Johnson has completed 207-of-356 passes for 2,281 yards (6.4 yards per attempt), 13 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He's also rushed for 425 yards and one score.
Video: Bill Belichick Reveals His NFL Midseason Team Featuring Lamar Jackson, Saquon
Nov 1, 2024
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 16: NFL analyst Bill Belichick looks on during the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Atlanta Falcons on September 15, 2024 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Legendary former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick revealed his team of the best players through the first half of the 2024 NFL season.
In a video posted to his YouTube channel on Thursday, the six-time Super Bowl champion detailed his "All-Belichick" team that featured standouts such as Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley.
Jackson has helped Baltimore bounce back from a disappointing 0-2 start to the season, leading the Ravens to wins in five of their past six games. The two-time MVP is completing 66.9 percent of his throws for 2,099 yards and 17 touchdowns compared to just two interceptions. He's also added 501 yards and two more scores on the ground.
Belichick was impressed with his continued improvement in 2024.
"He's done a better job getting his eyes downfield," Belichick said (4:50 mark). "He's breaking a lot of tackles, not just out-running people. Come a long way from some people who thought he should play receiver in the NFL."
As for Barkley, he ranks No. 2 among all players with 766 rush yards this season. He's found the end zone five times in seven starts, compiling 106 yards as a receiver.
The 27-year-old has also remained efficient during his first year in Philadelphia, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. Barkley has looked stronger as the season has progressed, recording 331 yards during the Eagles' current three-game winning streak.
Ravens' Lamar Jackson Misses 2nd Straight Practice with Knee, Back Injuries
Oct 31, 2024
BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 20: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens lines up before a play during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at M&T Bank Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson's status ahead of Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos is somewhat cloudy after missing multiple practices.
ESPN's Jamison Hensley reported Jackson missed practice Thursday because of back and knee concerns. It marked his second consecutive missed practice.
The two-time MVP demonstrated in 2023 why the Ravens signed him to a five-year, $260 million contract, which at the time made him the highest-paid player in NFL history.
Jackson threw for 3,678 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions while running for 821 yards and five touchdowns. The new-look offense under Todd Monken seemed to improve his efficiency slightly while still allowing him to harness his singular talents.
His performance to open 2024 has remained the same. Through eight starts, he has 2,099 passing yards and 17 touchdowns to just two interceptions.
Unfortunately for Baltimore, this uncertainty reinforces one of the biggest concerns expressed when the time came to give the 27-year-old a multiyear deal. He missed 10 games between 2021 and 2022, and his dual-threat style naturally left him more susceptible to hits.
Losing Jackson for any stretch of time would mean Josh Johnson takes over at quarterback, which is clearly a big downgrade at the position. Johnson is a career backup who has logged 41 total appearances since 2009.
Though it was three seasons ago, he did at least perform well when replacing an injured Jackson in 2021. The 38-year-old finished 28-of-40 for 304 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, but that was so long ago so as to offer little insight into his value now.
If Jackson misses Sunday's game against the Broncos, head coach John Harbaugh would probably lean on Derrick Henry and the running game a lot more than they have to this point. As much as Henry is looking like his old prime self, the absence of a consistent passing game would be a big problem for the offense.
Ravens' Lamar Jackson, Lions' Jared Goff Among NFL's October Awards Winners
Oct 31, 2024
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 27: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens attempts a pass in the first quarter of a game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field on October 27, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff have been named the Offensive Players of the Month for October.
Jackson was named the top offensive player in the AFC after recording 12 passing touchdowns this month, while Goff earned the same honor in the NFC while leading the Lions to a 3-0 October record.
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. meanwhile were honored as the month's top rookies.
The full Players of the Month list is below.
NFL October Players of the Month
AFC Offensive Player of the Month: Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
AFC Defensive Player of the Month: Will Anderson Jr., Houston Texans
AFC Special Teams Player of the Month: Chris Boswell, Pittsburgh Steelers
NFC Offensive Player of the Month: Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
NFC Defensive Player of the Month: Xavier McKinney, Green Bay Packers
NFC Special Teams Player of the Month: Chad Ryland, Arizona Cardinals
Offensive Rookie of the Month: Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
Defensive Rookie of the Month: Beanie Bishop Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers
Jackson recorded 1,241 passing yards for 12 touchdowns and one interception through four games this month, while adding 40 carries for 193 yards on the ground.
Goff meanwhile went 52-of-65 to complete 80 percent of his passes with no interceptions, while throwing for 680 yards and eight touchdowns to lead the Lions to three straight victories out of their Week 5 bye. He is the first quarterback in franchise history to receive the award.
The only @Lions to win an NFC Offensive Player of the Month Award:
Will Anderson Jr. recorded 5.0 sacks over four games in October while leading the NFL with seven tackles for loss over the span. He also batted a pass by New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye that turned into a Texans interception in Week 6, and sealed a Week 8 win over the Indianapolis Colts with a fumble recovery.
Chris Boswell went 12-for-12 on field goal attempts and was perfect on 10 extra point attempts over October. His month was highlighted by four field goals in a Week 6 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, including one made over 52 yards. He was also named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Month in September.
The Steelers had a second player honored in rookie cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr., who recorded three interceptions this month. The former undrafted free agent picked off veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers twice in a Week 7 win over the New York Jets, then sealed a Week 8 win over the New York Giants with another pick.
Xavier McKinney meanwhile led the NFL with six picks over the month, including an interception on Trevor Lawrence that was key to the Packers' Week 8 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Chad Ryland, who joined the Cardinals' practice squad on Oct. 2 and was elevated to the 53-man roster ahead of Week 5, went on to kick a game-winning field goal to seal victory over the San Francisco 49ers. He also recorded walk-off field goals over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 7 and Miami Dolphins in Week 8.
Bo Nix became the first Bronco since 2002 to earn an Offensive Rookie of the Month honor after leading rookie quarterbacks with seven passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns.
The NFL's Week 9 begins on Thursday night as Anderson Jr. and the visiting Texans face off against the New York Jets at 8:15 p.m. ET.
Ravens, Panthers Depth Chart, Salary Cap, NFL Draft Picks After Diontae Johnson Trade
Oct 29, 2024
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 13: Diontae Johnson #5 of the Carolina Panthers looks on during the second quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images)
The Baltimore Ravens have acquired wide receiver Diontae Johnson from the Carolina Panthers, per Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.
It’s a pick swap between the teams — Baltimore’s 5th for Carolina’s 6th rounder this year. https://t.co/3pcgBbQnE1
The Ravens have their own picks in the first, second, third, fourth, sixth and seventh rounds. They now have the Carolina Panthers' sixth-rounder but lose their fifth-rounder in this deal.
Panthers 2025 Draft Picks
The Panthers maintain their own first, third, fourth, fifth and sixth-round picks. Carolina has the Los Angeles Rams' second-rounder by virtue of a 2024 draft-day trade and previously dealt its second-rounder to the Chicago Bears in the Bryce Young deal.
Carolina got the New York Giants' fifth-round pick in the Brian Burns trade.
Their seventh-round pick scenario is in a current state of flux. Per Darin Gantt of the Panthers' website, they'll have "their own seventh, unless it's lower than" the Cardinals' seventh-round pick, or "Arizona's seventh, unless it's lower than Carolina's."
Gantt then stated that the Kansas City Chiefs "will get the higher of the two sevenths, but only one of them."
The Panthers notably acquired a 2024 sixth-round pick and a 2025 seventh-rounder from the Arizona Cardinals for previously trading wide receiver Robbie Chosen.
Carolina also acquired wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette from the Kansas City Chiefs for a swap of conditional 2025 seventh-rounders.
That means the Panthers are paying nearly $3M of Diontae Johnson's salary the rest of the year. Plus sent a pick along to Baltimore. Dave Canales, Dan Morgan & Co. clearly wanted him gone. https://t.co/dbiINuBnfZ
Johnson, who was in his first year in Carolina following five seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, caught 30 passes for 357 yards and three touchdowns in seven starts.
The Panthers acquired Johnson, an impending free agent, last offseason from the Pittsburgh Steelers via trade.
But, as Joseph Person of the Athletic noted, it was clear that the team was ready to move on.
"When the Panthers traded for Johnson during the offseason, they knew full well about his reputation for being a locker-room diva who wasn't afraid to throw his quarterbacks under the bus. But they hoped he'd be on his best behavior while playing for a new contract.
"And while some in the organization didn't have an issue with Johnson, he didn't hide his displeasure during Bryce Young's slow start and had stopped practicing the past couple of weeks due to various injuries. When Johnson ran a bad route at Washington in Week 7 that resulted in an Andy Dalton interception, Dalton slammed his helmet and yelled when he got to the sideline.
"It feels now like that was the beginning of the end for Johnson in Carolina, which agreed to pay down Johnson's salary down to the minimum and tossed a Baltimore a pick in order to be done with Johnson."
But he gets a fresh start in Baltimore, a team that's alternated between looking like a Super Bowl contender (e.g. 35-10 win over the Buffalo Bills) and one of the most perplexing, disappointing teams in football (losses to the 2-6 Las Vegas Raiders and 2-6 Cleveland Browns).
At 5-3, the Ravens are very much in the playoff mix. They are one game behind the Steelers for the AFC North and clearly wanted to add a weapon for potential NFL MVP Lamar Jackson. Now that offense is loaded even more, featuring leading rusher Derrick Henry, perhaps the best tight end duo in football (Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely) and a talented wideout quartet in Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Johnson and Nelson Agholor.
Johnson's first chance to play with the Ravens will occur Sunday when the team hosts the Denver Broncos.
Diontae Johnson Trade Hyped by NFL Fans as Ravens Land New WR for Lamar Jackson
Oct 29, 2024
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 13: Diontae Johnson #5 of the Carolina Panthers looks on during the second quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images)
Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson will have a new weapon in the team's passing attack, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Ravens acquired star receiver Diontae Johnson from the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday.
The Ravens will be sending a fifth-round draft pick to the Panthers while also recouping a sixth-round pick, so they managed to bolster their receiving corps without giving up much.
Baltimore already has a talented crop of wideouts, with second-year receiver Zay Flowers leading the team with 527 yards and Rashod Bateman not too far behind with 422 yards. Tight end Mark Andrews leads the team with four receiving touchdowns.
Johnson will make the Ravens even more dangerous. While playing with quarterbacks Bryce Young and Andy Dalton in Carolina, Johnson still managed to rack up 30 catches for 357 yards and three touchdowns. His best performance came when he posted eight catches for 122 yards and a touchdown in a 36-22 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, the Panthers' only win of the year.
Fans on social media expressed their excitement over Johnson's potential to thrive with Jackson as his quarterback:
Ravens are trading for Panthers' WR Diontae Johnson, per @AdamSchefter 🤯
Eric DeCosta has gotten trade steals before; add this to the list.
💎Ravens give 5th rounder
💎Panthers give Diontae Johnson + 6th rounder
Assuming Baltimore picks toward the end of the 5th round, and the Panthers pick toward the top of 6th, he'll only be moving back, what,… pic.twitter.com/dsezedS9ix
At 5-3, the Ravens have not been as consistent as they hoped, but they've shown flashes of dominance that have many including them on the short list of Super Bowl contenders.
Baltimore already has the best rushing attack in the NFL led by star running back Derrick Henry, so the addition of Johnson to the passing game will give the team more balance.
The Ravens will try to continue their march toward title contention when they meet the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
