Former Carolina Panthers wideout Diontae Johnson is headed back to the Baltimore Ravens . . . sorta.
The perpetually disgruntled receiver was claimed off waivers by the Ravens on Wednesday, following Tuesday’s departure from the Houston Texans. Being that Baltimore had previously rostered and waived Johnson this season, they will not be awarded their claim on him until after the Super Bowl.
So, why did the Ravens make the move for a guy they not only had buyer’s remorse on a month ago, but also cannot use for the rest of the postseason?
Well, he may be of use to Baltimore in the offseason.
Johnson, of course, is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the start of the new league year. If another team inks the former Pro Bowl pass catcher in free agency, that addition could help add to the Ravens’ compensatory draft pick formula.
Slick, huh?
Unfortunately for Johnson (and maybe the Ravens), he may have a difficult time landing a new deal. After wearing out his time in Pittsburgh, Carolina and Baltimore, the 28-year-old was cut by Houston after reportedly causing “a scene” following the team’s wild-card round win against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Per ESPN, Johnson was “fully dressed sitting at his locker staring in frustration because of a lack of playing time and targets.”
He was targeted once in the 32-12 victory.