Chargers urged to target Panthers WR Diontae Johnson at NFL trade deadline

Before the NFL trade deadline, much of the Los Angeles Chargers the conversation focused on a name like Mike Williams, the team’s current former draft pick going through drama with the New York Jets.

But one NFL expert says a solution could be finished in the NFC — where the Carolina Panthers could be sellers and boast a name like Diontae Johnson.

The ESPNs Seth Walder named Johnson as the one player the Chargers should try to target.

“Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson,” Walder wrote. “Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston have been better than expected, but now that the Chargers are firmly in the AFC playoff mix, why not add a strong route runner in Johnson to give Justin Herbert an open target? The investment would not be significant because Johnson is in the final year of his deal, and if it works out, the Chargers may have the first chance to sign him in free agency.”

Johnson is definitely a name to watch at the deadline as the Panthers are 1-6 and he pretty clearly wants out. After all, he was traded there in March and entered this season with one year left on the deal at a 10 million dollars hit cap. Through seven games this year, the veteran has 30 catches and three scores and is still nowhere close to matching that eight-touchdown burst from 2021.

It’s no secret the Chargers need help seven of Justin Herbert’s guns were damaged entering Week 8. That includes rookie Ladd McConkeythe team’s leading receiver, while someone like DJ Chark has yet to debut.

Trading Johnson could be tough because everyone knows he basically has one foot out the door, but it could also be affordable with an interesting upside if he can pick up the offense quickly.

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