Patriots dodge disaster by passing on trade for disgruntled receiver
Before this season's trade deadline, the Patriots were expected to be one of the biggest-selling teams in the league. There was some belief they would try to make some big moves to fill their weakest spots on the roster, like the offensive line or wide receiver, but they only traded linebacker Joshua Uche before time ran out.
Although there weren't many big-time trades this year so it doesn't appear that they missed out on an opportunity to acquire a great player, there was some discussion about trading for a wide receiver, one of whom being former Panther Diontae Johnson.
He became one of the primary targets for receiver-needy teams, and some fans weren't thrilled that the Patriots didn't seem to be interested in him, especially given the price the Ravens paid in the trade. But based on recent events and Johnson's suspension for Week 14, it looks like New England made the right decision not to look his way.
Ravens EVP and GM Eric DeCosta announced that Diontae Johnson’s one-game suspension stemmed from the wide receiver refusing to enter Sunday’s game against the Eagles. https://t.co/0vc8anUU8Q
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 4, 2024
Since arriving in Baltimore, it has been trouble in paradise and it seems to have reached a boiling point over the past week.
The statement from the Ravens regarding their decision to suspend Johnson stems from his disinterest in playing during their Sunday Night Football matchup against the Ravens. Because he hasn't been happy with the limited opportunities he's been given over the past month, he decided he wouldn't partake in the game until that was changed.
While his frustrations aren't necessarily unwarranted, it's not a great look for Johnson if he's hoping to be released, given the Ravens' roster construction not favoring him. This is doing more harm than good for his reputation and value, and it's not going to sit well with teams that may have been interested in him before his trade.
It makes the Patriots' decision to pass on even considering adding him to their roster look much better than previously believed. He might have been able to add some firepower to the offense, but they already have an unhappy player in K.J. Osborn, who has the same frustrations as Johnson.
So having another on the team would have been horrific to their season, especially for Drake Maye to have to deal with.
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