Just two months after becoming a Baltimore Raven, wide receiver Diontae Johnson has been let go by the team. The Ravens waived Johnson on Friday, two weeks after the receiver refused to play during Baltimore’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Johnson came to Baltimore in October, as part of a trade with the Carolina Panthers. The Ravens also received a sixth-round pick in the 2025 draft, while Carolina got a fifth-round 2025 draft pick in return.
Johnson did not play in the Ravens’ 24-19 loss to the Eagles on Dec. 4. Although Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh was originally cryptic about why Johnson didn’t see the field, the Ravens later revealed that Johnson had refused to enter the game.
Johnson was suspended by the team for one game, with Baltimore general manager Eric DeCosta citing “conduct detrimental to the team” in a statement. It is unclear why Johnson refused to play.
Prior to being traded, Johnson led Carolina in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches.
His playing time in Baltimore has been more minimal: Johnson has been active for five games, and has started once. He picked up one catch for 6 yards, after five targets with the Ravens.
The 28-year-old receiver is in a contract year, having signed a two-year extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022.
Johnson will now go on waivers and can be claimed until Monday at 4 pm ET. Per the Ravens, wide receiver Anthony Miller has been activated from the practice squad to fill the spot.
