NEWSLETTER
The NFL offseason keeps churning, and fantasy football managers are scrambling to adjust their draft strategies. The fantasy football impact of Diontae Johnson to the Panthers could be massive. One of the more impactful moves involved star wide receiver Diontae Johnson being shipped from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Carolina Panthers. Let’s break down what this trade means for Johnson’s fantasy outlook in 2024.
The Fantasy Football Impact of Diontae Johnson to the Panthers
Diontae Johnson entered the league in 2019 and quickly established himself as a target hog. Since 2020, he’s amassed a whopping 547 targets, ranking sixth among all wide receivers. Johnson boasts excellent route-running skills, consistently finding ways to get separation despite facing tight coverage. This translates well to fantasy football, even if his efficiency hasn’t always been top-notch. In 2023, he reached a career-high 2.1 yards per route run, but his overall production remained modest due to inconsistent quarterback play in Pittsburgh.
The Fantasy Football Impact of Diontae Johnson to the Panthers A Fantasy Enigma: High Volume, Low Floor… But Opportunity Knocks
Despite the target volume, Johnson finished 2023 as a fantasy afterthought, averaging a meager 8.1 points per game in half-PPR formats (WR31). This inconsistency can be frustrating for fantasy managers. However, his ability to get open consistently gives him a valuable foundation.
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The Fantasy Football Impact of Diontae Johnson to the Panthers: A Perfect Landing Spot in Carolina?
The Carolina Panthers desperately needed a reliable WR1, and Johnson fills that void perfectly. Veteran Adam Thielen’s strong start in 2023 fizzled out, and he’s unlikely to challenge Johnson for targets at age 34. The Panthers lack a first-round pick in the upcoming draft, further solidifying Johnson’s role as the team’s primary receiving threat.
The Fantasy Football Impact of Diontae Johnson to the Panthers: The Bryce Young Factor
Here’s the biggest question mark: Can young quarterback Bryce Young take a significant leap in his second season? Young’s rookie year was a struggle, with a completion percentage below 60% and a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 11:10. Historically, rookies haven’t fared well statistically, and Young’s adjusted yards per attempt ranked near the bottom among qualifying quarterbacks.
However, there’s a glimmer of hope. The Panthers hired Dave Canales as their new head coach. Canales has a knack for reviving quarterbacks. In 2022, he helped Geno Smith find success in Seattle, and last year, he contributed to Baker Mayfield’s resurgence in Tampa Bay. If Canales can work his magic on Young, Johnson could see a significant increase in production and fantasy value.
The Fantasy Football Impact of Diontae Johnson to the Panthers: High Risk, High Reward
Johnson has the lowest floor of any high-volume receiver in recent memory. Yet, his potential for 150-plus targets and a potential breakout from Young make him an intriguing gamble. Currently drafted as WR43 on Underdog and WR34 in 4for4’s Never Too Early Rankings, Johnson offers a high upside at a discounted price.
The Fantasy Football Impact of Diontae Johnson to the Panthers: The Bottom Line
The Diontae Johnson trade gives the Panthers their long-awaited WR1. Johnson himself has a chance to thrive with a significant target share and potentially improved quarterback play. If you’re willing to take a risk on a player with a potentially explosive upside, Johnson could be a valuable asset in your 2024 fantasy squad. Just remember, his success hinges heavily on Bryce Young’s development. Stay tuned for further developments in Carolina’s training camp as we see how this new partnership unfolds.
