Diontae Johnson Rumors: Panthers Open to Trade; WR May Be More 'Desirable' Than Kupp
October 24, 2024
Amid all of the wide receiver dealing leading up to the trade deadline, the one name to watch now appears to be Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson and not Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp.
Appearing on Thursday's episode of Get Up, ESPN's Adam Schefter said the Panthers veteran could be more "desirable" to teams than Kupp due to age and contract status for both players:
"The guy to watch is Diontae Johnson. And as good as Cooper Kupp is, he might be the most desirable receiver out there because of his age, because his contract has only $3.5 million of money left this year. His contract is up after this year. They've gotten calls. This is a deal that I think is easier to get done. Carolina is open to listening. He will be a name to watch."
Kupp popped up as a surprise trade candidate as he is preparing to make his return to the field for the Los Angeles Rams this week. The 31-year-old has been out since Week 2 due to an ankle injury.
The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported on Tuesday the Rams are "open" to trading Kupp, but they would have to take on some of his remaining salary for this season.
Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz @LeBatardShowCould the Chiefs trade for Cooper Kupp?<br><br>"If the Rams are willing to take on the salary I've heard they're willing to do, they are definitely open to trading Cooper Kupp so we'll see if they'll be able to get a deal done." <a href="https://twitter.com/DMRussini?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DMRussini</a> on the upcoming trade deadline. <br><br>WATCH:… <a href="https://t.co/s8aSSl1Hld">pic.twitter.com/s8aSSl1Hld</a>
Johnson's situation is much less complicated because he is in the final season of his contract with a $7 million base salary that is less than half of what Kupp is making from the Rams ($15 million).
Kupp is also under contract for two more years beyond this season, but there is only $5 million in guaranteed money left on the deal.
The Panthers might be more incentivized than the Rams to make an in-season deal given the position of both teams in the standings.
Los Angeles enters Week 8 in last place in the NFC West with a 2-4 record, but it's only two games behind the Seattle Seahawks for the top spot. Kupp doesn't have an injury designation and is expected to play on Thursday night against the Minnesota Vikings.
Puka Nacua, who has been out since Week 1 due to a knee injury, is getting closer to returning. He is officially listed as questionable against the Vikings after being a limited participant in practice on Tuesday and Wednesday.
It's not hard to envision a scenario in which a Rams offense with Kupp and Nacua playing with Matthew Stafford wins a lot of games.
The Panthers' focus should be on 2025 and beyond. They are 1-6 going into Week 8 with the worst defense and fifth-worst offense in the NFL by points per game. Bryce Young will be back in the starting lineup on Sunday against the Denver Broncos due to a thumb injury sustained by Andy Dalton in a car crash.
Johnson was acquired by Carolina in an offseason trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers to bolster the receiving group for Young.
Even though Johnson has played well, it hasn't made a difference for the overall success of the offense. He leads the team in targets (58), receptions (30), receiving yards (357) and receiving touchdowns (three).
The Panthers have less than two weeks to decide if they want to deal Johnson during the season. The NFL trade deadline is at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
