The Baltimore Ravens have released wide receiver Diontae Johnson just 52 days after acquiring him in a trade with the Carolina Panthers. The move marks a challenging period for Johnson in Baltimore, where he experienced limited playing time and ultimately refused to enter the field during the team's 24-19 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on December 1. This decision led the Ravens to suspend Johnson for their subsequent 35-14 victory over the New York Giants on December 15. During his tenure with the Ravens, Johnson managed to catch just one pass for six yards across four games, leaving both parties unsatisfied with the arrangement.

Prior to joining the Ravens, Johnson demonstrated his capabilities with the Panthers, where he secured 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns in just seven games. His previous stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers further showcased his potential; from 2019 to 2023, Johnson averaged 78 catches for 873 yards and five touchdowns per season, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2021 after posting career-best numbers with 107 receptions for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns. As Johnson’s time with the Ravens comes to an end, other NFL teams are poised to take advantage of his availability via waivers, with reports indicating that several franchises have expressed interest in acquiring him.

The waiver wire will open for Johnson on Monday at 4 PM ET, and analysts suggest that there is a good chance he will be claimed. The Pittsburgh Steelers, in particular, may be an appealing destination for Johnson. With George Pickens sidelined due to a hamstring injury, the Steelers could benefit from Johnson’s proven track record as an effective receiver. Despite some inconsistency in his performance over the past two seasons, Johnson has shown an ability to produce, and his recent drop rate of 3.5% since 2021 indicates significant improvement. Johnson's return to Pittsburgh not only seems feasible but could also fill a crucial need for an offense striving to maintain its position in the AFC North race.

Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders find themselves seeking a second wide receiver to complement Terry McLaurin, especially following the injury to Noah Brown. With limited production from their receiving corps aside from McLaurin, adding Johnson could enhance their offensive capabilities as they pursue a playoff spot. Similarly, the Los Angeles Chargers, who are on the cusp of the playoffs, might also consider continuing to strengthen their receiving group. While rookie Ladd McConkey has provided substantial contributions, Johnson's experience and route-running skills could prove invaluable for the Chargers’ quarterback Justin Herbert. In short, Diontae Johnson’s release opens the door for potential opportunities in multiple NFL cities, each with the potential to rejuvenate his career.