Diontae Johnson’s time with the Baltimore Ravens came to an abrupt end on Friday, with the team announcing that they had waived the previously suspended wide receiver.
The move led to new criticism of Johnson, who may have cost himself millions of dollars ahead of free agency.
Johnson started the season with the Carolina Panthers but was moved to the Ravens ahead of the trade deadline. Though there were hopes he could add offensive firepower to the Super Bowl contender, Johnson caught just one pass in four appearances and was suspended after refusing to enter the team’s Week 13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler called out Johnson after he was waived on Friday, saying the once promising wide receiver likely cost himself millions of dollars in free agency.
“No other way around it: Diontae Johnson lit millions on fire,” Fowler shared in a post on X. “Was set to be a top-25 free agent before the issues in Baltimore.”
The 28-year-old receiver had a strong start to his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, making 254 catches for 2,764 yards with 21 touchdowns over his first three seasons. But Johnson saw his role in Pittsburgh diminish.
He started this season with the Panthers, making 30 catches for 357 yards with three touchdowns.
Johnson will now go through waivers. If he goes unclaimed, he will be free to sign with a new team.
