Panthers general manager Dan Morgan revealed that Diontae Johnson “wanted a change of scenery” before he was dealt to the Ravens at the end of October, per Joe Person of The Athletic.
Morgan also indicated that the desire to part ways was mutual in a recent press conference.
“We felt at the end of the day that it was best for the team and best for Diontae that we both part ways and get the compensation there that we got,” said Morgan, according to team reporter Kassidy Hill.
The Panthers received a 2025 fifth-round pick in exchange for Johnson and a 2025 sixth-rounder while eating a significant portion of the wideout’s contract. The Ravens will only owe Johnson the veteran minimum salary for the remainder of the season.
This is the second time in eight months that Johnson has sought a trade away from his current team. He first arrived in Carolina in March after requesting a trade from the Steelers, who sent him to the Panthers along with a seventh-round pick for cornerback Donte Jackson and a sixth-rounder.
Overall, the Panthers’ two trades involving Johnson turned Jackson and two sixth-round picks into fifth- and seventh-rounders plus seven games, 357 receiving yards, and three touchdowns from the 28-year-old. Jackson, meanwhile, is tied for sixth in the NFL with three interceptions, one shy of his career-high.