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The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to look a lot different offensively in 2024. In addition to making significant changes at offensive coordinator and quarterback, the team traded former Pro Bowl wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers.
For Carolina, this trade addresses an obvious need. Quarterback Bryce Young struggled mightily as a rookie but was not equipped with reliable playmakers. Johnson is expected to step in and immediately fulfill the role of WR1 for the Panthers.
What is the fantasy football impact of the Carolina Panthers trading for Diontae Johnson?
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Diontae Johnson to the Panthers: Fantasy Football Impact
Since being drafted in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Johnson has finished two seasons as a top-24 fantasy wide receiver. He flashed immense upside in his third professional campaign when he scored as a top-10 wideout. Although his production regressed over the past two seasons with subpar quarterback play, there is still plenty of reason to be optimistic about the 27-year-old going forward.
In 2022, Johnson amassed 147 targets, the sixth-highest amount in the league. He came down with 86 of them and picked up 882 receiving yards but failed to find the end zone a single time. This can hardly be blamed on Johnson, as the Steelers totaled just 12 passing touchdowns on the season. The Toledo product bounced back with five scores in 2023 despite missing four contests due to injury.
Unfortunately, it's difficult to argue that Johnson is entering a much better situation in Carolina. Bryce Young only managed 11 touchdown passes to 10 interceptions while averaging a dreadful 5.5 yards per attempt in his rookie campaign. The Panthers scored 13.9 points per game in 2023, tied for fewest in the league.
There were concerns about Young's size coming into the NFL, but the undeniable talent he showcased at Alabama made him the first overall pick. While his struggles as a rookie can't be completely disregarded, he wasn't exactly set up for success. Johnson will be a welcomed addition to a wide receiver room that featured 33-year-old Adam Thielen as its leader last year.
The Panthers WR could not get open last season. That is Diontae Johnson's specialty. #ReceptionPerception pic.twitter.com/ijvXEjf8tC
— Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB) March 12, 2024
Throughout his five-year career, Johnson has proven to be an elite route runner who can earn opportunities consistently. This should give him a solid floor as a fantasy WR3 with the potential to be a top-15 option if Young and the Panthers offense can improve. Fantasy gamers should target Johnson in the sixth or seventh round of drafts in PPR formats.
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