For the second time in under a week, the New England Patriots have been linked to a former Pro Bowl wide receiver.
Following Week 2, it was suggested that the Patriots should target Carolina Panthers wideout Diontae Johnson. After New England’s Week 3 loss to the New York Jets, Johnson’s name has resurfaced in Foxborough.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano has identified Johnson as a potential trade target for the Patriots before the deadline.
“With limited depth at offensive skill positions, the Pats were involved in the Brandon Aiyuk talks,” Graziano wrote. “If New England’s defense holds steady, it could make sense to acquire Johnson and sign him long-term.”
Johnson, who is in the final year of his contract, poses some risk as a trade acquisition. The Aiyuk deal fell apart because he indicated he wouldn’t re-sign with New England next offseason. The Patriots also missed out on Calvin Ridley during free agency this past March.
Could Johnson do the same? It’s unlikely, as Johnson has less leverage. While he made the Pro Bowl in 2021 after catching 107 passes for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns with the Steelers, it remains his only 1,000-yard season since joining the NFL in 2019.
The Patriots desperately need a wide receiver, especially if they want to ease the transition for quarterback Drake Maye.
Acquiring Johnson in a midseason trade could not only provide Maye with a reliable target for the future but might also make New England more comfortable giving Maye more playing time in the second half of the season, despite their struggles on the offensive line.
