by Just two months after becoming a Baltimore Raven, wide receiver Diontae Johnson was released by the team. The Ravens waived Johnson on Friday, two weeks after the receiver refused to play in Baltimore’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Johnson arrived in Baltimore in a trade with the Carolina Panthers in October. The Ravens also received a 2025 sixth-round draft pick, while Carolina received a 2025 fifth-round draft pick in return.
Johnson did not play in the Ravens’ 24-19 loss to the Eagles on Dec. 4. Although Baltimore coach John Harbaugh was initially unclear as to why Johnson did not see the field, the Ravens later announced that Johnson had refused to enter the game.
Johnson was suspended one game by the team, with Baltimore GM Eric DeCosta citing “conduct detrimental to the team” in a statement. It’s unclear why Johnson refused to play.
Before being traded, Johnson led Carolina in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches.
His playing time in Baltimore was shorter: Johnson played five games and started once. After just five scores with the Ravens, he had one catch for six yards.
The 28-year-old receiver is in a contract year after signing a two-year extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022. This contract was picked up by Carolina and later Baltimore as Johnson moved between teams.
Johnson will now be waived and has until Monday at 4 p.m. ET to claim them. According to the Ravens, wide receiver Anthony Miller was activated from the practice squad to fill the spot.
