The Carolina Panthers are spiraling, and after a crushing 28-14 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 8, it’s clear that the 1-7 Panthers are setting up for a full-scale rebuild. With their season effectively in ruins, Carolina is expected to be one of the most active sellers at the upcoming trade deadline—and their top asset on the market? None other than star wide receiver Diontae Johnson.
Despite an inconsistent quarterback carousel with Andy Dalton and rookie Bryce Young, Johnson has been a lone bright spot for Carolina’s offense. In just seven games, Johnson has pulled in 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns—a solid output considering the turmoil on offense. But with the Panthers looking toward the future, Johnson’s days in Carolina might be numbered. His recent absence in Week 8 due to a rib injury only adds to the swirling trade rumors, as reports around the league point to Carolina’s willingness to move him to a contender in need of a playmaker.
Carolina acquired Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason, a move intended to bolster their offense in what was hoped to be a competitive year. But after a disastrous start, the logic has shifted: trading Johnson could bring in valuable draft picks to fuel a much-needed rebuild. With Johnson on an expiring contract, the Panthers face the very real possibility of losing him for nothing in free agency if they don’t make a deal before the deadline.
Across the league, playoff-hopeful teams are eyeing Johnson as the missing piece to solidify their receiving corps. Already, we’ve seen a wave of wide receiver trades in recent weeks, and Johnson could be the next big name to change jerseys. Given his skill set, he’s a hot commodity—one of the more intriguing storylines as the NFL trade deadline ticks closer.
For the Panthers, moving on from Johnson could mark a turning point in their franchise’s rebuild, setting them up with much-needed assets for the future. For the teams chasing him, he represents a game-changing addition that could be the difference come playoff time. As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes are on Carolina—and what they’ll do with Diontae Johnson could send shockwaves through the league.
