Ravens acquire Pro Bowl wide receiver in big trade as playoff race heats up: report

As Lamar Jackson continues his quest for back-to-back MVP awards, the Baltimore Ravens front office has given him a lot more help.

Amid another putrid season, the Carolina Panthers have reportedly traded Pro Bowl wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the AFC North roster.

Johnson has caught 30 balls for 357 yards in seven games this season, but has obviously seen an uptick since Andy Dalton replaced Bryce Young.

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In Young's two games, the 2021 Pro Bowler had just five catches for 34 yards – but since Dalton took over, he has 25 for 323 and three touchdowns.

He was inactive this past weekend after being injured the week before when he only made one catch for three yards, but it's clear Johnson can still score with a decent arm throw to him.

Since Dalton took over, Johnson has had games with 122, 83 and 78 receiving yards.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson at Bank of America Stadium. (Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images)

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Jackson's passer rating of 115.4 is the best in the NFL – he has thrown 17 touchdowns to just two interceptions, while also rushing for two more scores. He is on pace to become the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 4,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards.

However, Baltimore is coming off a tough loss to the Cleveland Browns – they had won five straight after losing their first two games.

However, with the acquisition of Johnson, the Ravens' star-studded offense just got a whole lot better. Derrick Henry remains an ageless wonder, while Zay Flowers has over 100 receiving yards in three of his last four games.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson runs after a catch against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. (Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images)

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The AFC North is a close race, with the Pittsburgh Steelers leading the way at 6-2. Baltimore is just one game behind.

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