Washington needs more help on the outside, and Diontae Johnson is a potential answer
While the Carolina Panthers have been reluctant to join in on the week's big NFL trend--trading away star receivers--they have both time and reason to get their name into the mix. The Washington Commanders--and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels--certainly have a need.
Washington's top receiver is sixth-year playmaker Terry McLaurin, who has racked up 1,000 yards or more in each of the past four years and was a Pro Bowler in 2022. McLaurin is on pace to top the 1,000-yard mark again this season, catching passes from Daniels.
But Daniels is lacking in weapons on the outside, other than McLaurin. After McLaurin, Daniels' top targets are tight end Zack Ertz (21 catches) and running back Austin Ekeler (15). Tied with Ekeler at 15 catches is 5-foot-8 Olamide Zaccheaus.
The Commanders are 4-2 and off to a good start, but if the team is serious about making a postseason run, it will need to add depth, especially at the skill positions. And with the NFL trade deadline approaching on Nov. 5, the Panthers make sense as a target for a trade.
Carolina, yet again, is going nowhere in the NFC standings, at 1-5 and with Andy Dalton replacing quarterback Bryce Young as QB1. The Panthers could afford to flip their prize offseason addition--Diontae Johnson, acquired in a trade from the Steelers--for draft compensation.
It's likely Carolina could at least seek a third-round pick (similar to the deals for Davante Adams and Amari Cooper) from the Commanders for Johnson, who is on pace to finish with 963 yards this season. That would probably rise playing in Washington's offense, though.
Johnson is in the second year of a two-year, $37 million contract, and can be a free agent after this season.
At Bleacher Report, on the site's weekly "NFL Trade Big Board," Johnson is listed as the No. 10 target, with the Commnaders as a "potential suitor."
"The Commanders, who lack a reliable No. 2 receiver opposite Terry McLaurin, should also be interested. Rookie Jayden Daniels could give Johnson something he doesn't have in Carolina—a quarterback who create big plays on the fly," the article noted.
