When the Carolina Panthers traded for Diontae Johnson, the hope was that his presence would give the team a top-end wide receiver. 

After mandatory offseason workouts, that appears to be the case. 

Dave Canales sees Johnson as an elite talent. Since the 27-year-old wide receiver arrived in Charlotte, the Panthers head coach has promised he would be wide receiver No. 1. Well, it turns out his physical traits are lending themselves to becoming second-year quarterback Bryce Young's go-to target. 

“Having Diontae out there, he brings another element," Canales said. "He’s special. He knows how to play the game. He’s fast. He gets it, he’s a change of pace and a little bit different than the guys that we have.”

When Johnson is engaged, he is a great talent. His best season with the Pittsburgh Steelers came in 2021 when he logged over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns. That was the season that earned him a Pro Bowl nod. He hasn't been the same since. 

Part of Johnson's regression had to do with the quarterbacks he has played with. In Charlotte, he has a head coach and an offense predicated on reviving the passing game – something Johnson wants. 

A few weeks ago, Johnson spoke of wanting to reach his full potential in Charlotte, where he claimed all he needed to do was play his style of football and everything would fall into place. 

“All I’ve gotta do is come in here and be consistent, not try to press or anything," Johnson said. "As long as I come in and do everything I can (to) my best ability, the chips are gonna fall where they may. If they want to extend me or whenever the time comes, God will give it to me when he feels like I’m ready.”

Johnson added in late May: “Everybody’s gonna have their opinion about me. People are gonna say what they want to say about me. But I know what type of player I am. I know what type of attitude I bring to the table. I didn’t really pay attention to stuff like that. I can only control what I can control. What people are saying about me is their opinion. It’s just words at the end of the day. As long I keep putting my best foot forward and bringing my best attitude forward, they can’t really say anything or whatever they want about me.”

Carolina's offense is on the right path. Canales is impressed with the athlete Johnson is growing into. After the summer break, and once training camp starts, it will be on the former Steeler to live up to his potential. 

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