Ravens’ Harbaugh Keeps Fans Guessing on Diontae Johnson’s Future
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens are no strangers to making headlines, but this time, it’s not for their on-field heroics. Instead, all eyes are on head coach John Harbaugh and his cryptic comments about wide receiver Diontae Johnson’s future with the team. After Sunday’s 24-19 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Harbaugh’s vague responses have left fans and analysts scratching their heads.
“At this time, I’m going to have to wait just to clarify it,” Harbaugh said during Monday’s press conference. “There’s some moving parts there that we’re going to have to figure out and explore and just see where we’re at. I know that’s not the answer you want, but that’s the best I can do in fairness to everybody right now.”
For a team that’s been touted as a potential Super Bowl contender, this uncertainty surrounding Johnson is raising eyebrows. The 28-year-old wide receiver, who was acquired from the Carolina Panthers on October 29, has been a non-factor since joining the Ravens. In four games, Johnson has managed just one catch for six yards. On Sunday, he suited up but didn’t play a single snap, even after starting wide receiver Rashod Bateman exited in the third quarter with a knee injury.
What’s Next for Diontae Johnson?
When asked directly about Johnson’s status with the team, Harbaugh remained noncommittal. “We’ll just work it out [and] see where we’re at over the next few days this week,” he said. With the Ravens on a bye this week, the team has some time to figure out their next steps, but the clock is ticking.
Johnson’s journey to Baltimore was seen as a low-risk move. The Ravens sent a fifth-round pick to Carolina in exchange for Johnson and a sixth-round selection. The Panthers also picked up most of Johnson’s remaining salary, leaving Baltimore to pay just $625,000. At the time, it seemed like a steal for a player who had led the Panthers in receptions (30), receiving yards (357), and touchdown catches (three) through the first seven games of the season.
But the numbers tell a different story since his arrival in Baltimore. In his debut game on November 7, Johnson caught his only pass for the Ravens while playing just five snaps. Over the next three games, he was targeted three times but failed to record a single reception, logging a total of just 17 snaps. For a player with a career total of 422 catches for 4,726 yards and 28 touchdowns, these stats are baffling.
Locker Room Reactions
Quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has been vocal about his support for Johnson, addressed the situation after Sunday’s game. “We want him out there,” Jackson said. “He’s a great receiver. We didn’t get him from the Panthers for nothing.” Jackson’s words echo the sentiments of many Ravens fans who are eager to see Johnson make an impact.
Jackson’s top three targets this season have been rookie sensation Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and veteran Nelson Agholor. While Harbaugh assured reporters that Bateman’s knee injury is not a long-term issue, the team’s depth at wide receiver remains a concern. Could Johnson be the answer? That’s the million-dollar question.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Here’s a quick look at Diontae Johnson’s performance this season:
- With the Panthers: 30 receptions, 357 receiving yards, 3 touchdowns in 7 games.
- With the Ravens: 1 reception, 6 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns in 4 games.
- Career Totals: 422 receptions, 4,726 yards, 28 touchdowns.
These stats highlight the stark contrast between Johnson’s production in Carolina and his struggles in Baltimore. Whether it’s a matter of scheme fit, play-calling, or something else entirely, the Ravens need to figure it out—and fast.
What’s the Bigger Picture?
Sunday’s loss to the Eagles was a tough pill to swallow for the Ravens, who are looking to solidify their status as a Super Bowl contender. Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back in his criticism, calling the loss “telling” for the team’s chances. While the focus has largely been on the Ravens’ on-field performance, the situation with Johnson adds another layer of complexity.
As the Ravens head into their bye week, the pressure is on Harbaugh and the coaching staff to make some tough decisions. Will Johnson get another chance to prove himself, or is his time in Baltimore coming to an end? For now, all we can do is wait and see.
One thing is certain: the Ravens’ fanbase will be watching closely. With the playoffs looming, every decision matters, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Originally Written by: Jamison Hensley
