The recent trade of wide receiver Diontae Johnson from the Carolina Panthers to the Baltimore Ravens for a fifth-round pick has ignited controversy and raised questions about the direction of the Panthers franchise under owner David Tepper.
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson #5 of the Carolina Panthers looks on prior to an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The trade, which saw the Panthers receive a late-round pick in exchange for their top receiver, has been widely criticized by analysts and fans alike. The move comes as the Panthers struggle through a disappointing 1-7 season, raising concerns about the team’s rebuilding strategy.
Questionable Trade Fuels Criticism of Panthers Ownership
The Diontae Johnson trade has amplified existing criticisms of David Tepper’s ownership of the Carolina Panthers. Many question the decision to trade a key offensive player for a relatively low draft pick, especially considering the team’s already depleted roster. This move signals a potential full rebuild, but the execution has left many perplexed.
The trade’s value proposition seems skewed in favor of the Ravens. Baltimore acquires a proven receiver in Johnson, while the Panthers receive a fifth-round pick that is likely to be near the bottom of the round. The Panthers also received a sixth-round pick, but given their poor record, it will likely be one of the top picks in that round. The minimal return for a starting-caliber player has fueled the fire of discontent among Panthers fans.
Lombardi Calls for Tepper to Relinquish Control of Panthers
NFL analyst Mike Lombardi on the “Pat McAfee Show” didn’t hold back, calling for Tepper to step away from football operations and focus on his philanthropic endeavors. Lombardi argued that the Johnson trade was a clear indication of mismanagement and that the Panthers are “going nowhere fast” under Tepper’s leadership.
Diontae Johnson #5 of the Carolina Panthers runs onto the field before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
While McAfee pointed to Tepper’s recent success in raising $24 million for charity through a concert held at Bank of America Stadium, Lombardi countered that Tepper should concentrate on his charitable work and allow someone else to manage the football team. He suggested that this would be a “really good idea” for the struggling franchise.
Panthers’ Rebuilding Efforts Lag Behind Broncos
The Panthers’ struggles stand in stark contrast to the Denver Broncos, who decisively defeated Carolina 28-14 in Week 8. Both teams were Super Bowl contenders in the 2015-2016 season but have since fallen on hard times. However, the Broncos appear to be further along in their rebuilding process, with quarterback Bo Nix outperforming Panthers rookie Bryce Young in their head-to-head matchup.
The Broncos’ success highlights the Panthers’ shortcomings and raises questions about whether Tepper’s approach to rebuilding the team is effective. The loss to Denver served as a painful reminder of how far the Panthers have fallen and how much work remains to be done.
Can the Panthers Salvage the Season and the Future?
The Diontae Johnson trade has cast a long shadow over the Carolina Panthers’ season and future. The team’s poor performance, coupled with questionable personnel decisions, has left many wondering if a change in leadership is necessary. Whether David Tepper will heed the calls for change remains to be seen, but the pressure is mounting for the Panthers to turn things around. The team must address fundamental issues within the organization to regain the trust of its fanbase and become a competitive force in the NFL once again.
