WR Diontae Johnson, Free Agent (2 Viewers)

[travdogg]

I'm going to hold on to him for ~2-3 weeks and see if he can carve out a role on this O. We saw Hopkins take time to gel and now looks super comfortable. I don't think Diontae will reach that level of production but I think he is a better WR than Bateman and with Likely out, who knows.

If I knew Johnson would lead his team in wr targets like Hopkins is about to then id agree with u.

Do WR targets matter? Like if Johnson is 2nd on the Ravens in targets, but its behind another WR is that somehow worse than Hopkins getting out targeted by Kelce?

I think Johnson will likely be fine. He's more talented than Bateman, his game is different from Flowers, if anything the Ravens use the TE position less going forward.

Johnson isn't going to be getting anything like his Carolina (with Dalton) target share, but I think 7 targets in a WAY more explosive offense is probably what he settles into. He's a proven target earner across multiple teams and QBs. He gets open as well as anyone. I'm shocked Johnson would be a cut in anything other than the smallest of leagues. He's probably a solid buy-low.

 

[VikingFrog]

I'm going to hold on to him for ~2-3 weeks and see if he can carve out a role on this O. We saw Hopkins take time to gel and now looks super comfortable. I don't think Diontae will reach that level of production but I think he is a better WR than Bateman and with Likely out, who knows.

If I knew Johnson would lead his team in wr targets like Hopkins is about to then id agree with u.

Do WR targets matter? Like if Johnson is 2nd on the Ravens in targets, but its behind another WR is that somehow worse than Hopkins getting out targeted by Kelce?

I think Johnson will likely be fine. He's more talented than Bateman, his game is different from Flowers, if anything the Ravens use the TE position less going forward.

Johnson isn't going to be getting anything like his Carolina (with Dalton) target share, but I think 7 targets in a WAY more explosive offense is probably what he settles into. He's a proven target earner across multiple teams and QBs. He gets open as well as anyone. I'm shocked Johnson would be a cut in anything other than the smallest of leagues. He's probably a solid buy-low.

100% concur. He’s just hard to start until we see it. So I’m hopeful we see it tonight so he can find his way back into my lineup prospects.

 

[FarFromHome]

I'm going to hold on to him for ~2-3 weeks and see if he can carve out a role on this O. We saw Hopkins take time to gel and now looks super comfortable. I don't think Diontae will reach that level of production but I think he is a better WR than Bateman and with Likely out, who knows.

If I knew Johnson would lead his team in wr targets like Hopkins is about to then id agree with u.

Do WR targets matter? Like if Johnson is 2nd on the Ravens in targets, but its behind another WR is that somehow worse than Hopkins getting out targeted by Kelce?

I think Johnson will likely be fine. He's more talented than Bateman, his game is different from Flowers, if anything the Ravens use the TE position less going forward.

Johnson isn't going to be getting anything like his Carolina (with Dalton) target share, but I think 7 targets in a WAY more explosive offense is probably what he settles into. He's a proven target earner across multiple teams and QBs. He gets open as well as anyone. I'm shocked Johnson would be a cut in anything other than the smallest of leagues. He's probably a solid buy-low.

Nope. Only total targets do. In my professional opinion, from this week on, if you add up total targets between Hopkins and Johnson I believe Hopkins will have TWICE as many. That's my hot take. Ha ha

 

[zamboni]

We saw Hopkins take time to gel and now looks super comfortable.

Hard to compare situations. With Hopkins it's talent meets considerable opportunity alongside a great QB. With Diontae, it's talent meets limited opportunity alongside a great QB.

I have him in dynasty. He’ll ride the bench and clog a roster space unless someone makes a good offer.

Same here - just have to hope he moves to a better situation next year (and without being a malcontent).

 

[menobrown]

Why can’t he be a comparable to Jordan Addison or a nice WR2?

I'd offer up at least two reasons.

First one and the most important one is I don't think he's his teams WR2. People will push back that he's better then Batemen and I'm not remotely disagreeing but I think there is a lot more to it then who is more talented. Mainly stuff like timing, knowing playbook, disrupting something that is working and totality of locker room impact/placating Batemen who has gone sideways before over lack of use and I think right now in their minds he's their #2 next year and they don't want to relegate his role. Now I think it could happpen that DJ ultimately pushes Batemen down to WR3 but the reports saying they traded for DJ to make him the #3 are not incorrect, that's their plan and DJ will have to force them to reconsider. In a few weeks if Diontae has the timing and playbook down and is badly outplaying Batemen then they likely have no choice but IMO if we ever see something like that it would take weeks, like maybe after the week 14 bye.

The second reason is why he'l likely have better efficiency per target then he's ever had it's hard to ignore this is a guy who had 144 and 147 targets and could not hit 1000 yards. So historically he's needed a ton of volume, has not shown the downfield big play ability that Addison has shown with any kind of consistentcy.

I cut him immediatly in my 10 team league with 16 rosters sizes and have held on in every other format which are all 12/20. But I'd say I'm mainly holding out about 70% in case of an injury to Flowers or Batemen, with more like a 30% chance he's relevant when everyone is healthy.

In many ways he's very much like how I view Wicks with respect to a rare WR handcuff in a way we often view RB's. Clogging my roster in the meantime, better best ball players with occasional big plays, but no one I want to put in my lineup.

Dynasty he's an obvious hold if he does nothing.

 

[irish eyes]

So bizarre Baltimore traded for him. It's apparent they're not going to use him. Glad I can now cut bait in dynasty & feel good about it.

 

[Texanchris]

Hate that I had to start him due to injuries and byes knowing it likely wouldn't end well. Wish the Texans traded for him

 

[dmac37]

So bizarre Baltimore traded for him. It's apparent they're not going to use him. Glad I can now cut bait in dynasty & feel good about it.

I get why the Ravens grabbed him, they got a stud WR for crazy cheap. My confusion is why no other team that really could have used him did not offer a little more, WTF.

 

[Runkle]

Had a big deep target but fell on his face about 20 yards away from the ball

 

[irish eyes]

So bizarre Baltimore traded for him. It's apparent they're not going to use him. Glad I can now cut bait in dynasty & feel good about it.

I get why the Ravens grabbed him, they got a stud WR for crazy cheap. My confusion is why no other team that really could have used him did not offer a little more, WTF.

Stud wr is a little much. He drops a ton of passes and is not a deep threat at all.

 

[dmac37]

So bizarre Baltimore traded for him. It's apparent they're not going to use him. Glad I can now cut bait in dynasty & feel good about it.

I get why the Ravens grabbed him, they got a stud WR for crazy cheap. My confusion is why no other team that really could have used him did not offer a little more, WTF.

Stud wr is a little much. He drops a ton of passes and is not a deep threat at all.

Ok, yes stud may be a stretch but he is a proven WR1 and just crazy there was no better offer for a team in need.

 

[Man In The Box]

So he’s WR5 on this team. Awesome.

 

[JoeSteeler]

So bizarre Baltimore traded for him. It's apparent they're not going to use him. Glad I can now cut bait in dynasty & feel good about it.

Not sure why you would cut him in dynasty, he is an UFA after this year.

 

[RaidersAreOne]

So he’s WR5 on this team. Awesome.

Yeah, I had hope he'd overtake Bateman but I don't think he'll even heat out Wallace.

Looking like an enormous bust ROS.

 

[Buckna]

Literally 7th in the pecking order tonight. Ahgolor had identical stats but his 1 catch was at least for a TD.

 

[Wigglytuff's Gruff]

Easy cut in redraft.

 

[Lansdowne]

So bizarre Baltimore traded for him. It's apparent they're not going to use him. Glad I can now cut bait in dynasty & feel good about it.

Not sure why you would cut him in dynasty, he is an UFA after this year.

I can kind of see why though. He’ll be 29 next season, going on three straight unremarkable seasons (fantasy WR46, WR43, and currently WR40 and fading fast) and unlikely to be signed as any NFL team’s WR1. 2021 is a distant memory. His value is derived from target volume and if he isn’t getting that then the juice may not be worth the squeeze. But on the other hand it’s dynasty, and if the bench is deep enough then there’s no harm in holding and seeing where he ends up.

 

[Payne]

Seems more and more that this move may have been to keep him away from KC. Weird usage.

 

[zamboni]

Seems more and more that this move may have been to keep him away from KC. Weird usage.

Could be. And they didn’t pay much at all to get him, so it’s win/win.

 

[-OZ-]

I figure receiver depth is a good thing for a SB contender. But yeah, he’s not doing much without injuries.

 

[Dizzy]

Seems more and more that this move may have been to keep him away from KC. Weird usage.

Yeah, I have a similar opinion but thinking it was Houston they wanted to keep him away from.

Zay Flowers is WR1, then the TEs, then its a matter of opinion whether one believes that DJ is noticeably better than Bateman. I think the answer to that is "no" meaning that DJ is a spot reliever or 3rd option in 3-WR sets.

 

[menobrown]

Seems more and more that this move may have been to keep him away from KC. Weird usage.

Yeah, I have a similar opinion but thinking it was Houston they wanted to keep him away from.

I think if anyone wanted him they could have had him. His cost was not only close to free but with a possible 2026 6th round comp pick the Ravens might even come ahead in draft capital.

Had read back when he got traded only 2 teams showed any interest in him and that interest had cooled from those two teams.

As such I don’t think think this was keep away, no one wanted him.

On one hand seeing his snap count decline when he had more acclimation time is odd but he fell down and failed to get out of bounds the 2 targets he got. So he did not play well was maybe a factor. Maybe he did practice great all week, maybe the short week made them want to rely more on WR’s familiar with system.

I really can’t say for sure if he’s already starting to mope over his small role. He played so little last night was hard to know but I thought I saw signs of it, something just a little lazy in his body language. Again I could be wrong, weak guess with little go on but if he actually does start to act all moody over his role I won’t be at all surprised if teams like KC and Houston still have a chance to pick him up later this season. Just not seeing any indication they want him.

 

[zamboni]

If nothing else, he’s likely costing himself millions for next year. Someone will still overpay him, but probably not #1 WR type money.

 

[pghrob]

In deep 12 team ppr dynasty league with 25 player rosters (start 2wr & flex) nobody is interested in a trade to acquire him.

 

[Faust]

Cole Jackson
Diontae Johnson had back to back short weeks of practices. Tough to integrate in those conditions

But when he did run routes he got targets.

I think he’s decently involved today in Nelly’s role

#RavensFlock

x.com

x.com

 

[Wigglytuff's Gruff]

Decently involved with that 2.5 target a game average 'Nelly' has been getting this season.

Sounds less than appealing.

 

[RaidersAreOne]

I am holding Diontae for another 1-2 weeks. I still think he's better than Bateman.

 

[RaidersAreOne]

Dude ran 6 routes last game, had 2 targets but didn't get any of them.

I don't think I can keep holding on to him any longer.

 

[zamboni]

Dude ran 6 routes last game, had 2 targets but didn't get any of them.

I don't think I can keep holding on to him any longer.

There's probably no reason to hold - total roster clogger and he's probably cost himself countless millions in free agency next year.

 

[FarFromHome]

Behind closed doors he has to miss being on the Panthers.

 

[zamboni]

Behind closed doors he has to miss being on the Panthers.

From a financial standpoint, I would agree. At least on the Panthers he would have had an opportunity to put up numbers that could allure his next employer.

 

[Runkle]

Saw he had a long target for a potential TD in the corner, but couldn't reel it in.

 

[menobrown]

One more post for me on Diontae.

Read a few Ravens beat writers thought late last night and they seemed to think he's the WR3 on the team. More of a weapon, might be used on punt returns, but they seemed to think Bateman would remain the number 2.

I will not be surprised if he's cut before the end of the season.

His attitude rubs people the wrong way, one of the reasons Carolina wanted him off the team ASAP. That attitude gets worse when he does not think he's getting the ball. Off the top of my head I can't recall a pass catcher on the Ravens showing really bad body language over not getting the ball or don't get an accurate pass thrown their way when Lamar is the QB, he seems to have to much respect by them to entertain trying to show him up. This may have occured and I missed it, just don't recall it but Diontae does this ALL the time. Now some of them have wanted out over lack of usage, like Hollywood and the Ravens have said a few times in the past they know they have to draft WR's and overpay in FA because the lack of volume is a turnoff for some FA Wr's they've wanted to attract. How much if any that changed after Roman left I don't know but the whole thing could be really volatile, especially if he starts his on field moping.

Diontae does not appear to be overly loved by NFL teams and he's about to be a FA. The smart thing for him to do is be a good solider, play whatever role they ask, maybe even win a ring and hit FA. But I don't think he can help himself. I heard some comments from him back in camp about trying to be better, not complain so much, etc,etc. Lasted about two weeks into the season.

Doesn't make much sense to bring him and his baggage on board to an offense running well if you're not going to use him a lot. Actually makes zero sense and Baltimore is one of the smartest organizations in the league.

No. He's not only close to free but might actually be a win for Ravens on draft capital. That means you could say the same thing about every single player the Ravens sign. Be it a scrap heap FA or Diontae.

Doesn't matter if he's free, you don't bring in a known disruptor to hang out on the bench and cause problems. Not that tough to figure out.

He's cheap depth they think they can manage. That's all this is.

Nope. He will play a lot. But keep replying to every post, you can't seem to resist not doing so. This is a common theme to your presence on these boards, you think very highly of yourself for sure.

 

[RaidersAreOne]

Saw he had a long target for a potential TD in the corner, but couldn't reel it in.

That's annoying to hear. He saw a target on 33% of his routes ran which looks awesome on paper. However he plays so litt.e

 

[Dez]

He was from very reliable start to completely worthless with this stupid trade there was no reason for Baltimore to bring him in except Carolina gave him away dirt cheap

 

[Dez]

Is he worthless now?

You nailed it

 

[Dez]

Is he worthless now?

You think his value went DOWN after this move???

He sure did and he was dead one balls accurate

 

[rockaction]

Seems more and more that this move may have been to keep him away from KC. Weird usage.

Yeah, I have a similar opinion but thinking it was Houston they wanted to keep him away from.

I think if anyone wanted him they could have had him. His cost was not only close to free but with a possible 2026 6th round comp pick the Ravens might even come ahead in draft capital.

Had read back when he got traded only 2 teams showed any interest in him and that interest had cooled from those two teams.

As such I don’t think think this was keep away, no one wanted him.

On one hand seeing his snap count decline when he had more acclimation time is odd but he fell down and failed to get out of bounds the 2 targets he got. So he did not play well was maybe a factor. Maybe he did practice great all week, maybe the short week made them want to rely more on WR’s familiar with system.

I really can’t say for sure if he’s already starting to mope over his small role. He played so little last night was hard to know but I thought I saw signs of it, something just a little lazy in his body language. Again I could be wrong, weak guess with little go on but if he actually does start to act all moody over his role I won’t be at all surprised if teams like KC and Houston still have a chance to pick him up later this season. Just not seeing any indication they want him.

You’ve been proven right again. Look, you’re not infallible like the Pope, but your wisdom on these boards is greatly appreciated when it comes to moves and sussing out stuff like this. I’ve been on these boards for over a decade and I haven’t seen too many people willing to make these kinds of calls while being this accurate. This has been going on for two years now. You’ve gotten better since even years prior.

Good work, meno, and best of luck in your endeavors.

 

[zamboni]

Moral of the story - when you wish your WR to be traded midseason, careful what you wish for. Diontae and Cooper have been busts post-trade, Hopkins really only had that one 2TD game, and Davonte has been meh at best. Generally takes a long time for an WR, even a good one, to indoctrinate himself in an offense.

 

[JohnnyU]

He’s so yesterday

 

[BladeRunner]

He’s so yesterday

Right? When his troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as if they're here to stay.

 

[zamboni]

He’s undoubtedly cost himself millions in free agency next year, yet he’s still probably going to be paid handsomely next year when you figure in a WR desperate league, his big UFA competition is Higgins, Godwin, and Cooper.

 

[jobarules]

He’s undoubtedly cost himself millions in free agency next year, yet he’s still probably going to be paid handsomely next year when you figure in a WR desperate league, his big UFA competition is Higgins, Godwin, and Cooper.

How did he cost himself? He didn't trade himself.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

He’s undoubtedly cost himself millions in free agency next year, yet he’s still probably going to be paid handsomely next year when you figure in a WR desperate league, his big UFA competition is Higgins, Godwin, and Cooper.

How did he cost himself? He didn't trade himself.

I assume it's a "his attitude got him traded, so its his own fault he's in a gulag situation ATM" sort of a thing.

 

[zamboni]

He’s undoubtedly cost himself millions in free agency next year, yet he’s still probably going to be paid handsomely next year when you figure in a WR desperate league, his big UFA competition is Higgins, Godwin, and Cooper.

How did he cost himself? He didn't trade himself.

Because he hasn’t done anything and isn’t even on the field. I doubt too many teams will open their wallets and say they understand it was situational, but could be wrong.

 

[zamboni]

He’s undoubtedly cost himself millions in free agency next year, yet he’s still probably going to be paid handsomely next year when you figure in a WR desperate league, his big UFA competition is Higgins, Godwin, and Cooper.

How did he cost himself? He didn't trade himself.

I assume it's a "his attitude got him traded, so its his own fault he's in a gulag situation ATM" sort of a thing.

Right - and don’t think teams will want to play a boatload for an attitude issue.

 

[jobarules]

I thought he was traded because Carolina is rebuilding

 

[jobarules]

BTW Bateman didn't practice yesterday. Haven't seen anything about today yet.

 

[TampaMike19]

I thought he was traded because Carolina is rebuilding

That plus keep away from other afc contenders

 

[rockaction]

BTW Bateman didn't practice yesterday. Haven't seen anything about today yet.

Removed from the injury report for Saturday and had all injury/questionable tags removed, per Rotoworld.