Panthers' Diontae Johnson is ready to be exactly what second-year QB Bryce Young needs

Second-year quarterback Bryce Young won't be without help for much longer. During the early portion of free agency, the Carolina Panthers traded for former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson. On Tuesday, Johnson admitted he was initially shocked by the trade, but is now eager to be the exact help Young needs moving forward.  "Just a guy […]

Ian Kayanja
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Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) walks off the field after the game of a regular season NFL football matchup Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jacksonville Jaguars blanked the Carolina Panthers 26-0. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Image via Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union

Second-year quarterback Bryce Young won't be without help for much longer. 

During the early portion of free agency, the Carolina Panthers traded for former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson. 

On Tuesday, Johnson admitted he was initially shocked by the trade, but is now eager to be the exact help Young needs moving forward. 

"Just a guy that can get open, just give him a sense of comfort when he's back there knowing he has a guy that can get open anywhere on the field,'' Johnson said of Young on the first of a three-day voluntary minicamp. "That's what I'm here to do – to make plays."

Dec 31, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) carries the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) carries the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half at Lumen Field.Image via Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

It won't be easy, but Johnson boasts the talent to make an immediate impact on the Panthers' offense. 

Johnson, a 2021 Pro Bowler, ranked 12th during the 2023 season with a score of 79 and his 94 over the past two seasons is the best in the NFL, according to ESPN.

Already, the Panthers' new head coach Dave Canales said Johnson would be the "X" receiver within the offense. It is a role Johnson is comfortable competing in. 

"Dave told me as soon as I got here: 'You're playing the X. You'll be the first read on the progression almost every play.' My unique skillset I bring to the table, we'll utilize it."

As for how Johnson sees his skill fitting with a quarterback like Young, he believes it is a match made in heaven. 

"He's accurate, smart," Johnson said of Young. "That's what I've seen from watching his tape. A great player. Can make plays. Can make any throw on the field. I'm here to make him better – help him grow."

The Panthers traded  Donte Jackson and a pick swap for Johnson. Time will tell if it is a deal that works out as much as those who have talked about it believe it would. 

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