Diontae Johnson Top Landing Spots: 2025 NFL Free Agency Outlook

Free agent wide receiver Diontae Johnson remains unsigned so far this offseason. 2024 was a strange season for the six-year veteran. He began the year with the Carolina Panthers before eventually being traded to the Baltimore Ravens. However, Baltimore failed to find a role for Johnson. He became frustrated, was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team, and was eventually released.

Johnson was then claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans but would once again be waived after playing just one game with the team. Finally, Johnson would be claimed on waivers by the Baltimore Ravens. This was an odd move considering how his first stint with the team ended. However, this was a move designed to prevent several other playoff teams from claiming Johnson. He would not play a game for Baltimore and subsequently became a free agent once the season ended.

Seeing a player as talented as Johnson bounce around the league this much is highly unusual. His exits from Carolina and Baltimore can be explained when we delve deeper into them. However, his departure from the Houston Texans was eye-opening. Houston was in desperate need of receiving help after Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell were lost for the season. Yet, Houston still parted ways with Johnson while in the middle of a playoff run. It looks as though Johnson is causing behind-the-scenes problems in locker rooms. This might cause his NFL career to end sooner than expected. However, there are several teams desperate for a WR1, and Johnson is still talented enough to fill that void. Let's take a few minutes and examine several teams who could roll the dice and sign Johnson to a contract.

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Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers were reportedly in the running to acquire D.K. Metcalf but were outbid by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Los Angeles hit a home run selecting Ladd McConkey in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but they appear to be looking for an upgrade over Quentin Johnston.

Johnson can play inside and outside, so he would give Los Angeles some flexibility in terms of alignment, etc. However, they might be looking for more of a prototypical X receiver to pair with McConkey. While Johnson can play the X, he doesn't have the ideal size for the position. This might cause Los Angeles to look elsewhere for a receiver upgrade.

New England Patriots

So far through free agency, the Patriots have failed to find a top pass-catcher for Drake Maye. Head coach Mike Vrabel has made it known the team needs to make upgrades at the receiver position, but the free agent pool has really dried up.

Johnson would immediately step in and become the Patriots WR1. He is a great separator and would give Maye the go-to option he so desperately needs.

Red Rifle slings it to Diontae for the TD

📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/qWgQ1Fd7qg

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) October 13, 2024

The question comes down to whether or not Vrabel is willing to deal with the headaches that come with rostering Johnson. Considering the fact Vrabel is a Bill Belichick disciple, he might be willing to give Johnson a chance. However, the leash likely would be short, and Johnson could soon be back in the unemployment line if he creates problems.

Green Bay Packers

Following an up-and-down year from its young receiving core, the Packers are reportedly looking for receiver help. Running back Josh Jacobs made his thoughts on the matter perfectly clear as he believes the team needs a true WR1.

“I think we need a guy that’s proven to be a #1 WR already.”

-Packers RB Josh Jacobs on “No BS” with @BillSchmidRadio & @ArmenSaryan pic.twitter.com/RetrfMI9IE

— 97.3 The Game (@TheGameMKE) February 5, 2025

Head coach Matt LaFleur could be re-thinking his wide receiver by committee approach, and now the team is getting pressure from one of its star players. Johnson is a very versatile receiver, so he would give Green Bay the flexibility to move all their receivers around the formation as they please.

However, the team could look to address the position in the NFL Draft. The incoming receiver class is not as strong compared to previous years, but Green Bay may prefer this option rather than taking a chance on a player who bounced around the league last year.

Denver Broncos

Broncos coach Sean Payton has stated multiple times this offseason his desire for the team to find a "joker" on offense. This player could be a running back, tight end, or wide receiver. It just needs to be someone they can move around the formation to create mismatches. Johnson could fit this mold as he's capable of playing all three receiver positions.

Denver might address this need by selecting a running back or tight end in the NFL Draft. Payton is on record saying they could use another receiver on offense if the right situation presents itself. However, Payton is a Bill Parcells disciple and may not have the patience for behind-the-scenes shenanigans. Johnson could fill a need here, but he may not be a great fit with a no-nonsense coach like Payton.

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