Fantasy Football

ALERT: Both 49ers RBs Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason have been placed on IR. Isaac Guerendo is the next RB to target on waivers.

Diontae Johnson

WR - BAL

Height: 5-10

Weight: 183 lbs

Age: 28

College: Toledo

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2024 Season Outlooks

Johnson was traded from Pittsburgh to Carolina this offseason, and he should be the new No. 1 receiver for Bryce Young. Johnson is worth drafting as early as Round 7 in the majority of leagues as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver, with his value higher in PPR. He will compete with Adam Thielen and rookie Xavier Legette for targets, but Young should find Johnson to be his most reliable receiver. He's coming off a quality season in 2023 with the Steelers at 11.8 PPR points per game, but Johnson has two years on his resume with at least 15.6 PPR points per game. The Panthers offense could be a surprise this season with new coach Dave Canales, who has gotten solid years out of Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett as an offensive coordinator. If Young leans on Johnson as expected then he could be a valuable Fantasy asset, especially if you draft him at the right price.

Johnson was traded to Carolina during the offseason after spending his first five seasons in Pittsburgh. Johnson has seen his production dip over the last two seasons (40th in fantasy PPG both years), but showed he could deliver high-end numbers with good quarterback play (22nd and ninth with Ben Roethlisberger in 2020 and 2021, respectively). Johnson is an elite route runner who has managed a target share of at least 23% in four consecutive seasons. He's a good bet to lead an improved Carolina offense in targets and, especially if Bryce Young makes a Year 2 leap, he's likely to return to fantasy relevance. Target Johnson as a WR3/flex with WR2 upside.