‘Frustrated’ Diontae Johnson makes his stance clear on Panthers’ offensive misery after 40-7 humiliation against the Commanders

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson, a top trade candidate, claimed he can't do everything alone.


‘Frustrated’ Diontae Johnson makes his stance clear on Panthers’ offensive misery after 40-7 humiliation against the Commanders

Diontae Johnson (Image via IMAGO/X)

As the trade deadline moves ever closer, players are making their moves so that they can end up at their desired destination, and it seems Diontae Johnson is among them. Just eight months and seven matchdays later, he seems to have reached his limit of losing too many games at the Carolina Panthers.

Panthers’ latest 40-7 humiliation at the hands of the NFC table-toppers, the Washington Commanders, only poured more fuel to the already raging fire. Johnson played even though there were question marks about his availability due to injury. Andy Dalton and Bryce Young combined targeted him a season-low three times, from which he only caught one for 17 yards.

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It was a far cry from his week six numbers of 6 receptions for 78 yards and 1 touchdown score and even far removed from the Panthers’ win over the Raiders, in which the 28-year-old lodged 8/14 for 122 yards and 1 score. These numbers prove if Johnson gets the service, he has the capability of making plays.

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However, as the season slowly enters the business end of the season the usually quiet Johnson opened up about the issues the Panthers are currently dealing with.

[I am] frustrated, but I can’t play every position on the field and make every play. Everybody gotta do their job, when it comes down to it. Yeah, it’s tough, but I just tell myself to keep going regardless.

Diontae Johnson said. (H/T: Joe Person of The Athletic)

Diontae Johnson: A possible trade candidate

The Panthers have only recorded one victory since November and currently find themselves among the bottom feeders and have zero hopes of a playoff push. At this point in time, teams that are in playoff contention and need quality reinforcements due to injuries and squad depth will target players like Diontae Johnson for a trade.

'Frustrated' Diontae Johnson makes his stance clear on Panthers' offensive misery after 40-7 humiliation
Dionta Johnson (Image via IMAGO)

According to the Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the former Steelers wideout has drawn interest from several franchises. Rumors suggest one of those teams is the reigning Super Bowl champs, the Kansas City Chiefs. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler brought up the Panthers playmaker during an article on October 16.

Carolina’s Diontae Johnson would be a good fit, but his base salary is $7 million and the Panthers do not seem eager to deal him just yet.

Jeremy Fowler wrote

Andy Reid’s side has several casualties before their week eight game against the Raiders. Hollywood Brown, Rashee Rice, Justin Watson, and recently Juju Smith-Schuster are in rehab.

Despite the shortage of receivers, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has previously stated that he has full confidence in the personnel still available to him.

I have extreme confidence with the guys that are on that football field. They’ve won games, they’ve won Super Bowls, they’ve made plays in big moments.

Patrick Mahomes said last week

The Chiefs’ healthy receivers include veteran tight ends Travis Kelce and Noah Gray and rookie receiver Xavier Worthy. Adding Johnson would be another rabbit-out-of-the-hat moment from general manager Brett Veach.

It depends on what the Panthers want. Head coach Dave Canales has stated that they will not listen to any trade details until the deadline. There are still two matchdays left before the date, so it’s make or break for the Panthers and Johnson.